ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting of the National Export Development Board, setting a target to increase Pakistan’s annual exports to $60 billion within three years.
The Prime Minister instructed the commerce ministry and other relevant departments to take necessary actions to achieve this goal. He highlighted that exports had already surpassed $30 billion in the previous fiscal year and that IT exports had exceeded $3.2 billion.
He directed the ministry to address issues raised by exporters and present a report within two weeks. The Prime Minister also committed to personally chairing the National Export Development Board meetings every six weeks.
Emphasizing the need for collective effort, the Prime Minister praised the business community and investors for their role in boosting exports under challenging conditions. He urged the commerce ministry to finalize policy proposals with input from potential export sectors and tasked the Ministry of National Food Security with improving extension services and enhancing agricultural exports.
The Prime Minister also called for exporting higher-quality seeds and agricultural products, reducing delivery times for Pakistani goods to Europe and America, and ensuring cooperation with the Board of Investment regarding the transfer of Chinese export industries to Pakistan. Additionally, he stressed the importance of research, innovation, and brand development to increase exports.
He warned the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) against delays in exporter refunds and emphasized the role of trade officers abroad in promoting Pakistani exports and assisting exporters. The power ministry was instructed to develop a plan for providing low-cost electricity to industries.
The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of including the private sector in policymaking and received commendations from export sector representatives for his proactive approach and commitment to timely refunds.
The meeting reviewed recent steps to boost the export sector, including a five-year plan to double exports. Attendees included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, federal ministers, state ministers, the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, the State Bank Governor, and representatives from textiles, IT, leather, agriculture, and other sectors.
