Islamabad: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, underscored the critical importance of export acceleration during a high-level meeting for the Export Acceleration, Production, Quality, Innovation and Brand Mission. This initiative is part of the broader URAAN Pakistan framework, which comprises eleven National Economic Missions aimed at achieving Pakistan’s long-term development objectives.

According to Press Information Department, the National Economic Missions, approved by the National Economic Council, are designed to transform Pakistan into a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2035. Iqbal emphasized that achieving this target requires a fundamental transformation of the current economic management towards an export-driven model. He highlighted that boosting exports is essential for sustaining a 6 percent GDP growth rate and fulfilling external financing obligations.

The Minister outlined the potential for improving Pakistan’s external position through export growth, import substitution, and increased remittances. He advocated for reducing reliance on external borrowing and enhancing the country’s productive and export capacity by identifying and leveraging untapped export potential.

Iqbal also proposed a shift towards cluster-based industrial development, identifying established industrial centers with significant export potential. He called for comprehensive assessments of these clusters to enhance value addition, quality, and market access, alongside a district-based export development strategy focusing on local competitive products.

The meeting concluded with a directive for all participating ministries to develop a detailed implementation plan to meet and exceed the target of $100 billion in exports by 2035. Representatives from the Ministries of Commerce, Industries and Production, National Food Security and Research, and other stakeholders were in attendance.