Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed relevant authorities to improve the quality of Pakistani products, strengthen quality assurance mechanisms and ensure compliance with international standards to enhance the country’s export competitiveness.
He issued the directives while chairing a review meeting in Islamabad on measures to boost exports and accelerate economic growth, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
The prime minister said effective steps should be taken to bring Pakistani products in line with international quality standards and make the country’s quality assurance system more effective.
He called for export growth to become a key pillar of Pakistan’s economic development and urged authorities to prepare a wider range of sectors for international markets.
PM Shehbaz directed that more industries be brought into export activities to diversify the country’s export base. He also stressed the need for greater value addition to Pakistani products to enhance their market value and competitiveness globally.
The prime minister called for the adoption of modern technology, research and innovation across export-oriented industries.
He also ordered authorities to remove administrative and business-related hurdles faced by exporters and make export procedures simpler, faster and more transparent.
The meeting was briefed on progress in implementing the government’s approved strategic roadmap for export promotion. Participants also reviewed proposals aimed at accessing new international markets, diversifying export sectors, improving product quality and facilitating businesses.
Officials said efforts were underway to expand the global reach of Pakistani products through free trade agreements and preferential trade arrangements with friendly countries.
The meeting was informed that horticultural products were being incorporated into the country’s export portfolio. Local manufacturers of surgical and medical instruments were also being encouraged to participate in international hospital tenders.
The government has also organised exhibitions in various cities to introduce Pakistani products to international buyers. These include the International Textile Exhibition (Texpo), Health Engineering and Minerals Show (Hems), and International Food and Agriculture Exhibition (FoodAg).
Officials further said work was underway to modernise intellectual property laws in line with current requirements and promote innovation in export-oriented industries.
The meeting was also informed that the restructuring of the Export Development Fund (EDF) had been completed, with the fund taking measures to facilitate the business community.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Industries and Production Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, Climate Change Minister Musadiq Masood Malik, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan, State Minister for Finance Bilal Azhar Kiani and senior officials from relevant departments.
Prime Minister Shehbaz has repeatedly identified export-led economic growth as a key government priority, with the federal budget for fiscal year 2026-27 also framed around increasing productivity and promoting sustainable export-led growth.
Pakistan’s merchandise exports increased by 9.54 per cent during the first month of FY27, although the trade deficit widened due to higher imports, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
However, merchandise exports in FY26 fell short of the annual target by $4.87 billion and declined 5.97pc from the previous fiscal year, highlighting continued challenges in expanding the country’s export base.
The trade deficit also widened during the previous fiscal year amid rising imports and declining exports.
