Degree Name
Master of Science
Department or Program
Economics
Advisor
Lahiri, Sajal
Abstract
This paper examines the trade policy reforms in both import and export sectors of Pakistan and provides a critical analysis of the measures undertaken during various regimes to liberalize the economy. The paper discusses the relevant theoretical and empirical research and attempts to evaluate the existing tariff structure under various trade liberalization regimes and substantiate, with the statistics in view of the trade theory, relevant reports and research papers. Alongside it also discusses the tax reforms relevant to trade policy, while briefly discussing key concerns and challenges faced by the policy makers in both formulation and implementation of tariff reforms, such as, lobbying of special interest groups, government revenue constraints and illegal trade across the borders. Finally, it gives an account of export sector and discusses reasons for its weak performance despite government interventions.