THIS is with reference to the editorial ‘Export delusions’ (July 17), which stated that the government’s plan to almost double the country’s exports to $60 billion over the next three years is nothing more than wishful thinking. I agree that the target does look a bit stiff, but it is ce- rtainly beyond our capacity. I think we can still sweat and strive to achieve an ultimate export volume of $54-55 billion in three years’ time.

Exports and remittances are of utmost significance for the country. In fact, in a manner of speaking, it is a matter of life and death for the nation. Therefore, it makes sense to aim high and try to get as close to the target as possible even if it means making the impossible possible. As such, the target of $60 billion does look practical.

For 2025, the export target should be $38-40 billion; for 2026, it should be $44-46 billion, and in 2027, it should be $54-55 billion. I think these incremental targets are quite attainable.

We must focus on both our existing export lines as well as the emerging ones, such as engineering goods, information technology (IT) products, support services etc. The aim should be to try and export whatever we can, as much as we can, and to whoever we can.

The government must cut the cost of doing business for exporters, and support them in every possible way so that they may put their best foot forward in achieving the export targets.

On their part, the exporters should be asked to repatriate and park 95 per cent of their proceeds in Pakistani banks in order to optimise the situation for the country.

Abbas R. Siddiqi
Lahore

Published in Dawn, August 16th, 2024