A meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb Friday reviewed and endorsed a report presented by the Ministry of Commerce on industrial competitiveness and export-led growth of the steel sector, in alignment with the National Tariff Policy 2025–30, aimed at reducing production costs and enhancing export competitiveness.
The committee also approved a summary by the Ministry of Commerce for filing an appeal in the Supreme Court of Pakistan against the decision of the Lahore High Court regarding the grant of gas/RLNG tariff concessions to M/s Ghani Glass Ltd. The Committee found the appeal untenable in light of the fact that concessionary energy tariffs for five export-oriented sectors have already been withdrawn and are no longer available to any sector.
Skills development through outcomes-based financing
To support skills development through outcomes-based financing, the ECC approved a government guarantee of Rs. 1 billion for the issuance of the Pakistan Skill Impact Bond (PSIB), as moved by the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training.
The committee encouraged the ministry to gradually move towards adopting the Public-Private Partnership model and to explore undertaking similar initiatives using its own balance sheet, thereby reducing reliance on sovereign guarantees.
Radio-based services
The ECC approved a proposal by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication for the revision of charges for Radio-Based Services (RBS). The committee directed the Ministry to ensure periodic revision of RBS charges every three to five years, aligned with ongoing economic changes and technological advancements in the sector.
The committee also endorsed a revised composition of the advisory committee overseeing the release of IMT spectrum, which is critical for improving next-generation mobile broadband services in Pakistan.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Leghari, Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, along with senior officials from relevant ministries, divisions, departments, and authorities.
