Ministry of Commerce
Coverage of Ministry of Commerce in the Nexus archive.
- Federal Board of Revenue eyes new performance metrics
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in Pakistan is proposing to replace monthly tax collection targets with a fiscal-year-based performance evaluation system to reduce short-term pressure on field officers and focus on annual outcomes. The shift aligns with broader tax administration reforms, including centralised technology-driven enforcement and a reallocation of responsibilities to the Tax Policy Office and Tariff Policy Board.
- 15,000 used cars get clearance window
The Pakistani government introduced new directives to clear a backlog of 15,000 used cars at ports by accepting Pre-Shipment Inspection certificates from EAA Company and Auto Terminal Pak, while granting a one-time waiver for vehicles shipped between January 2026 and March 2026. Local automotive industry representatives criticized the policy, warning of Rs22 billion in potential losses and safety risks, as well as economic impacts from increased imports.
- Rise of the robots: China releases plan aimed at increasing consumers’ AI options
Chinese authorities, through the Ministry of Commerce and seven other ministries, released a plan with 17 measures to integrate AI into consumption sectors like retail and consumer goods, aiming to boost growth via smart products, robots, subsidies, infrastructure, and standards.
- IHC rejects reliance on intelligence reports for coveted postings
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) ruled that the government cannot deny foreign postings to Trade and Investment Officers based on undisclosed intelligence reports, setting aside the Ministry of Commerce's decision. Candidates had completed all selection processes and received approval from the prime minister, but were rejected by a vetting agency's adverse assessment.
- China rejects OECD report on industrial subsidies as ‘one-sided’ amid EU trade tensions
China rejected an OECD report claiming its firms receive higher government subsidies than international peers, calling the findings 'one-sided and arbitrary.' The Ministry of Commerce criticized the report's methodology for lacking a unified standard and deviating from WTO consensus, amid escalating EU concerns over Beijing’s industrial policy.
- China blocks US sanctions against five ‘teapot’ refineries
China's Ministry of Commerce has opposed US sanctions against five refineries, claiming the measures violate international law. The refineries are accused of importing Iranian oil, a claim China disputes.