ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet, chaired by Federal Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, has approved a series of important decisions related to industry, housing, telecom, and the environment.
Ministers Sardar Owais Leghari (Energy), Ali Pervez Malik (Petroleum), Jam Kamal Khan (Commerce), and senior officials from key ministries and authorities attended the meeting.
The ECC endorsed the Ministry of Commerce’s report under the National Tariff Policy 2025–30, aimed at reducing production costs and boosting exports in the steel sector.
The committee also gave the green light to the Pakistan Green Taxonomy, a long-awaited step that will pave the way for financing eco-friendly projects across the country.
In another major move, the ECC approved a proposal by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs to recognise shipbreaking and recycling as an official industry, but asked for detailed power consumption data from the Power Division to assess the impact of applying industrial rates.
To promote skills development, the ECC approved a Rs1 billion government guarantee for the launch of the Pakistan Skill Impact Bond (PSIB). Ministries were advised to gradually shift to public-private partnerships to reduce dependence on government guarantees.
In the housing sector, the committee approved a markup subsidy and risk-sharing scheme to support low-cost housing finance for the underprivileged.
Expressing concern over high edible oil prices despite global market declines, the ECC directed the Ministry of Industries to closely coordinate with the Competition Commission, National Price Monitoring Committee (NPMC), and provincial governments to ensure consumers benefit from reduced international rates.
In the telecom sector, the ECC approved adjustments in Radio-Based Services (RBS) fees on the proposal of the Ministry of IT & Telecom. It also advised a review of the fee structure every 3 to 5 years to stay in step with economic trends and technological progress.
