Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal has stressed the need for value addition and export expansion to achieve economic self-reliance, saying the government was prioritizing export-led growth under Uraan Pakistan, during his visit to the Pakistan Pavilion at Gulfood 2026. “We are committed to promoting productivity, quality and innovation so […]
Exports
Textile exporters seek relief amid cost pressures
Textile exporters have urged the government to announce a comprehensive relief package, citing uncompetitive energy prices, high taxes and elevated financing costs that are undermining Pakistan’s ability to compete in global markets. Read More: Textile exports increase 0.90% to $9.16bn during Jul-Dec A large delegation of the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) met Finance Minister […]
Value addition key to unlocking Pakistan critical minerals exports
Pakistan must move beyond export raw critical minerals and focus on processing and value addition to boost foreign exchange earnings and achieve sustainable economic growth, according to a policy note issued by the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Pakistan (ICMA). Read More: The National Interest highlights reforms in Pakistan’s mineral sector The policy note followed […]
Minister stresses sustainable growth for economic transformation
Pakistan’s ambition to become a trillion-dollar economy depends on the alignment of policy, capital, industry and institutions, Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh said on Thursday, warning that fragmented efforts cannot deliver sustainable growth. Read More: ‘Industrialization vital for sustainable growth‘ Speaking at the 8th Pakistan Leadership Conversation in Islamabad, the minister emphasised […]
High business costs erode Pakistan regional competitiveness
The costs of doing business in Pakistan is around 34 per cent higher than in comparable regional economies, creating a serious competitiveness challenge for local industry, the Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) said on Thursday. Read More: Pakistan’s weak tax system costs Rs3.4tr: IMF In a statement, the forum warned that elevated operating costs had significantly weakened the ability […]
IT exports hit record $437m in December
Pakistan achieved its highest-ever monthly information technology (IT) export figure in December 2025, reaching $437 million and marking a 26 per cent year-on-year increase. The surge reflects growing external demand for Pakistani software and IT-enabled services, particularly from the Gulf region. Read More: Digital boom: Pakistan’s IT exports hit record $1.8bn During July to December of fiscal […]
Pakistan pushes for self-reliance with local production and exports
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is focusing on self-reliance by promoting local production, indigenisation, and exports oriented industries to reduce reliance on imports and conserve foreign exchange. Finance Minister Mohammad Aurangzeb urged multinational companies to adjust business models, highlighting that some firms are already using local raw materials to cut costs. Experts note that increasing domestic consumption of […]
Pakistan urged to modernise agriculture for growth and exports
ISLAMABAD: Experts have called for a major shift in Pakistan’s agricultural policy to boost productivity, diversify crops, and enhance exports. Historically, the focus has been on improving crop yields through better seeds, fertilisers, pest control, and extension services. While these measures raised yields modestly, Pakistan’s growth in agricultural output has lagged behind population growth, leaving […]
Pakistan’s currency stability seen as economic illusion
Economic analysts say Pakistan’s chronic reliance on an artificially managed exchange rate has repeatedly undermined export competitiveness and contributed to recurring balance-of-payments crises, despite short-term gains in political optics and price stability. Read More: Economic growth drops to 3% in Pakistan In a commentary published on Sunday, former corporate executive and economic observer Ehsan Malik argued that […]
China posts $1.2 trillion trade surplus despite US tariffs
China recorded a historic trade surplus of $1.2 trillion in 2025, demonstrating resilience despite ongoing trade tensions with the United States. The figure marks a 20 percent year-on-year increase, underscoring the country’s growing export strength amid a challenging global economic environment. Read More: China vows to counter Trump’s Iran tariffs Exports to the U.S., previously China’s largest […]