Lahore: The chemical industry is poised to play a significant role in Pakistan’s economic growth, export promotion, and job creation, Ahsan Iqbal, the Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, stated during the Pakistan Chemical Expo 2026 in Lahore. Outlining the industry’s potential, he emphasized the need for a development model rooted in knowledge, research, technology, and industry to position Pakistan as a strong export-oriented economy.

According to Radio Pakistan, Iqbal highlighted the chemical industry’s global reputation as the “mother of all industries,” serving as a backbone for diverse sectors such as agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, construction, automobiles, electronics, and energy. He pointed out that Pakistan’s reliance on imported chemicals, polymers, and industrial raw materials, valued at billions of dollars annually, presents an opportunity for local production to reduce dependency on imports.

The minister’s remarks underscore the strategic importance of the chemical sector in the broader context of national economic development efforts.