Imran Zakir
KARACHI: Business and trade leaders have called for a comprehensive national strategy aimed at transforming Pakistan into an export-driven economy by reducing the cost of doing business, strengthening trade diplomacy, and expanding market access in emerging regions, particularly Africa.
They emphasized that regionally competitive electricity and gas tariffs for exporters and industry are essential to enhancing Pakistan’s competitiveness in international markets. Simplification of taxation and regulatory procedures, along with improvements in logistics, customs clearance, and port operations, were also identified as key priorities.
The proposed strategy sets an ambitious national export target of US$60 billion, with a strong focus on value-added products rather than raw material exports. Priority sectors include engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, information technology services, surgical instruments, sports goods, halal products, and processed foods.
To diversify export destinations, stakeholders proposed the launch of a Pakistan-Africa Export Initiative, including the establishment of Pakistan Trade Houses in major African markets, beginning with South Africa. A dedicated Pakistan-Africa Export Expansion Program (PAEEP) has also been recommended to increase Pakistan’s exports to Africa from approximately US$1.5 billion to US$5 billion in the coming years.
The strategy further calls for strengthening trade diplomacy through preferential trade agreements with African, Central Asian, and Middle Eastern countries. Pakistani embassies and commercial counselors should be assigned specific export promotion targets, while the country’s commercial presence in emerging markets should be expanded. Recognizing the critical role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the proposal advocates the establishment of SME Export Facilitation Centers, provision of affordable export financing and credit guarantees, and support for technology upgrades and international certifications.
Business leaders also urged the government to accelerate industrialization by fast-tracking Special Economic Zones (SEZs), encouraging export-oriented manufacturing, attracting foreign investment, and developing sector-specific industrial clusters.
In the agriculture sector, emphasis was placed on increasing value-added processing and boosting exports of rice, mangoes, citrus fruits, halal meat, and fisheries products. The development of modern cold-chain and storage infrastructure was described as essential for improving export competitiveness.
The strategy highlights the growing importance of the digital economy and recommends enhanced support for IT startups, freelancers, and software exporters. It sets a target of US$10 billion in IT and digital services exports through the promotion of e-commerce and digital payment systems.
To ensure effective implementation, Pak – SADC Chamber Trade Federation proposed the formation of a National Export Competitiveness Council, chaired by the Prime Minister and comprising representatives from government, industry, exporters, and the business community. The council would be responsible for monitoring export performance and addressing policy bottlenecks on a continuous basis.
Business leaders said that adopting an export-led growth model is essential for increasing foreign exchange earnings, creating employment opportunities, attracting investment, and ensuring long-term economic stability for Pakistan.
