ISLAMABAD - The 63rd meeting of Ministry of Commerce Advisory Council on Tuesday noted that Ministry would ensure to reflect the proposals and suggestions given by different stakeholders in the Strategic Trade Policy Framework (STPF 2012-2015) and would discuess other matters like energy and gas shortage with the relevant ministries for further consultations.The 63rd meeting of Ministry of Commerce Advisory Council on Trade Policy was held here Tuesday under the chairmanship of Senior Commerce Minister Makhdoom Amin Fahim to take inputs from members of different chambers of commerce and industry and trade associations in Pakistan for the formulation of Strategic Trade Policy Framework (STPF) 2012-2015. The objective of the meeting was to share thoughts of different stakeholders on trade policy 2012-2015 and to find ways and means to enhance trade performance of the country for next three years.  The meeting started with Senior Commerce Minister’s speech in which he complimented the exporters community for doing great job to sustain a decent momentum in exports despite many challenges like energy shortage and funding constraints. He also remarked that STPF for 2012-2015 is being formulated with the broad objective of effectively addressing major supply and demand challenges during next three years.Secretary commerce presented a detailed policy statement during his address, showing salient features of the new STPF which includes 1. Creation of regulatory efficiencies by addressing the issuers of quality, standard, regulation, trade disputes and enforcement with the help of FBR, PSQCA, PNAC, 2. Promotion of agro-processed exports especially in this region, 3. Tapping of regional potential of exports in Pakistan through lessening the shortcomings like under-developed processing facilities, poor trade facilitation and low level excess to technology, 3. Promotion of service sector through institutional arrangements, 4. Promotion of regional trade especially trade with China, Iran and Afghanistan 5. Re-invigouration of exports promotion agencies, 6. Mobilization of new investment in export oriented industry with establishment of Special Economic Zones. 7. Providing of state support through Export Investment Support Fund, Export Development Fund, PSDP Fund and donors assistance, 8. Diversification of markets and products, 9. Facilitations of trade aiming to make export less expensive than import and 10. Diplomacy in trade through signing of FTAs and other arrangemts with different countries. Members of advisory council comprising chairmen of different chambers of commerce and industry and other trade associations working in Pakistan gave multidimensional proposals in the meeting. They highlighted both operational as well as policy level suggestions for the upcoming trade policy. Many members pointed that energy shortage and poor law and order situation are the major reasons for low investment and subsequently for low production and low exports in the country. The council deliberated at length on matters regarding need of value addition in textile sector, FTA issues and non availability of market access to USA, smuggling issues through Pak-Afghan border, import of used vehicles and its consequences on auto industry, NTBs with India, need to enhance role of commercial councilors, provision of cold storage facilities at port areas, scope of e-commerce and IT industry and tax related matters. The Council also discussed different proposals of woman chamber of commerce and industry regarding quota in Export Development Fund and need of skill development.The council was also informed about the trade performance of the country in last three years which showed that exports in 2009-2010 increased from $19.29 billion to $23.64 billion in 2011-12, while imports in 2009-2010 increased from $34.71 billion to $44.91 billion in 2011-12.