ISLAMABAD(The COW News Digital) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the government to take major measures to accelerate economic growth and increase Pakistan’s exports, stressing that expanding exports must remain a key pillar of the country’s economic strategy.
The prime minister chaired a high-level review meeting on Tuesday focused on increasing exports and accelerating economic development. He instructed authorities to prepare more sectors for international markets alongside traditional export industries.
Shehbaz said Pakistan needed to diversify its trade base by bringing a wider range of sectors and industries into export-oriented activities. He also called for stronger efforts to improve the quality of Pakistani products in line with international requirements.
The prime minister directed relevant authorities to strengthen quality assurance mechanisms and ensure full compliance with international standards and regulations. He also placed particular emphasis on value addition, saying that higher-value products would improve Pakistan’s competitiveness and market position globally.
He further called for greater adoption of modern technology, research and innovation in export-oriented industries. According to the prime minister, digitalisation and advanced technologies should be used extensively to bring the national economy in line with modern global requirements.
Shehbaz also ordered authorities to remove administrative and business-related hurdles faced by exporters and make export procedures simpler, faster and more transparent.
The meeting reviewed progress on an approved strategic roadmap for promoting exports. Participants also examined proposals concerning access to new international markets, diversification of export sectors, improvement in product quality and greater ease of doing business.
Officials briefed the meeting on efforts to secure free trade agreements and preferential trade arrangements with several friendly countries to improve access for Pakistani products in international markets.
The government is also working to increase exports of Pakistani horticultural products. Measures are underway to promote Pakistani surgical and medical equipment in international markets, including encouraging local exporters to participate in procurement processes and tenders issued by overseas hospitals.
Officials said international companies were being introduced to Pakistani products through trade exhibitions, including TEXPO, the Health, Engineering and Minerals Show, and FoodAg events being held in different cities.
The meeting was also informed that work was underway to modernise intellectual property laws in line with contemporary requirements and encourage innovation in export sectors.
The restructuring of the Export Development Fund (EDF) has also been completed, with measures being taken to provide greater support and facilities to the business community.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, along with senior ministers, advisers and officials from relevant institutions, attended the meeting.
