Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued directives to the Ministry of Commerce and other related departments, setting a bold three-year goal to elevate Pakistan’s exports to $60 billion. During a meeting of the National Export Development Board held today in Islamabad, the Prime Minister outlined a series of strategic measures intended to boost the country’s export volumes.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized the critical role of innovation, research and development, and brand development in distinguishing Pakistani products and increasing their global market share. He tasked the Ministry of Commerce with finalizing policy proposals in cooperation with key export sectors.
Further directives were given to reduce power tariffs for industries to encourage production and competitiveness abroad. The Prime Minister also called on Pakistani trade officers stationed worldwide to actively contribute to promoting Pakistani exports.
Highlighting recent successes, Sharif noted that last fiscal year’s exports stood at $30 billion, with IT exports surpassing $3.2 billion, which he credited to effective governmental policies. He stressed the importance of addressing the concerns raised by exporters promptly, requesting a report on these issues within the next two weeks.
In addition to industrial efforts, Sharif urged the Ministry of National Food Security to collaborate with provincial governments to improve agricultural extension services and introduce high-yield seed varieties to boost agricultural exports.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the need for quicker delivery of Pakistani goods to markets in Europe and America, calling for immediate resolution to shipping delays. He insisted on enhanced cooperation between the Ministry of Commerce and the Investment Board to facilitate the relocation of Chinese export industries to Pakistan.
The meeting concluded with assurances from the Prime Minister that delays in refunding exporters would not be tolerated, a statement that has reportedly boosted the morale of industrialists and exporters alike.