• Seeks new markets, greater diversification of export sectors
• Export industries told to improve quality, value addition, competitiveness
• New FTAs, preferential trade agreements planned to expand market access

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed early implementation of the approved Strategic Roadmap for Export Promotion and called for greater access to international markets, diversification of export sectors, improved product quality and facilitation for exporters.

Chairing a review meeting on enhancing exports and accelerating economic growth, the prime minister said increasing exports should form the basis of the country’s economic progress and called for preparing sectors beyond traditional export industries for global markets.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), he said the maximum possible number of sectors and industries should be brought into export activities to diversify trade.

The prime minister directed that effective measures be taken to bring the quality of Pakistani products in line with international standards, strengthen the quality assurance system and ensure full compliance with international standards and regulations.

He also stressed value addition to enhance the value and competitiveness of Pakistani products in global markets and directed the promotion of modern technology, research and innovation in export-oriented industries.

He said the economy should fully benefit from digitalisation and modern technology to align itself with contemporary requirements.

“Administrative and business obstacles faced by exporters should be removed, and the export process should be made more simplified, faster and transparent,” the premier said.

The meeting was briefed on progress in implementing the approved strategic roadmap and reviewed proposals for access to new international markets, diversification of export sectors, improvement in product quality and business facilitation.

One presentation covered further liberalisation under existing free trade agreements (FTAs) and the initiation of new preferential agreements to secure greater market access for Pakistani products.

The meeting was informed that steps were being taken to conclude FTAs and preferential trade agreements with several friendly countries to expand the reach of Pakistani products in global markets.

Another presentation focused on declining exports of agricultural produce and possible measures to increase them. The meeting was told that efforts were also under way to expand exports of Pakistani horticultural products.

Pakistani exporters of surgical and medical equipment were being encouraged to participate in tenders and procurement processes of international hospitals to increase exports from the sector.

The meeting was also informed that international exhibitions, including the International Textile Exhibition (Texpo), Health Engineering and Minerals Show (Hems) and International Food and Agriculture Exhibition (FoodAg), were being organised in major cities to showcase Pakistani products to international buyers and companies.

Work was under way to align intellectual property laws with contempo-rary requirements to promote innova-tion in exports, while the restructuring of the Export Development Fund (EDF) had been completed and new measures were being taken to facilitate the business community.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Industries and Production Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani and senior officials attended the meeting.

The government has termed export-led economic growth a key priority, with the federal budget for the current fiscal year formulated with the same objective.

Pakistan’s merchandise exports rose 9.54 per cent year-on-year in the first month of FY27, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics last month, although the trade deficit widened amid rising imports.

The increase came after a weak FY26, when merchandise exports fell 5.97pc from the previous year and missed the annual target by $4.87 billion. The trade deficit also widened during the year as imports increased and exports declined.

Published in Dawn, September 16th, 2026