Automotive industry: Govt calls for fundamental shift to boost export growth

Islamabad: The government has called for a fundamental shift in Pakistan's automotive industry from a primarily domestic-market focus to export-driven production, aiming to boost productivity and global market access. The automotive sector is seen as a key driver for high-value exports, with policymakers seeking to transform domestic industrial capacity into globally competitive production.

The Planning Ministry hosted a policy dialogue titled "Unlocking Pakistan's High-Value Export Potential: Threats and Opportunities for the Automotive Industry," bringing together private sector stakeholders, academics, senior government officials, and international development partners to discuss measures to enhance Pakistan's automotive exports.

Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal highlighted that export-led growth is crucial for Pakistan's economic stability, self-reliance, and sustainable development, urging a shift from a domestic-market-centric approach to a globally competitive, export-driven economy. He stressed that increasing exports is essential for economic growth and positioning Pakistan as a competitive player in international markets.

The minister acknowledged Pakistan's existing industrial clusters and productive capacities but emphasized the need for modernization, improved productivity, strengthened infrastructure, adoption of new technologies, and a supportive policy environment. He called on the private sector to lead the export agenda, encouraging exporters, manufacturers, and investors to adopt a growth-oriented mindset and expand their presence in global markets.

Iqbal emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and private sector to identify new export opportunities, remove bottlenecks, and establish clear priorities for export growth. He urged industry stakeholders to develop five-year export plans, clearly outlining each sector's contribution to Pakistan's exports and the required government support.

Increasing exports is seen as critical to meeting foreign exchange requirements and strengthening Pakistan's economic sovereignty.