Expanding exports: Govt directs FTWs to prepare country-specific plans

Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan instructed the Foreign Trade Wings (FTW) to draft country-specific plans focusing on priority commodities, trade access obstacles, logistical issues, banking obstacles, prospective purchasers, and ongoing institutional commitments, as per a statement. This directive came during his meeting with the Ministry's FTW to appraise Pakistan's export performance, bilateral trade ties, and export agreements' advancement, according to the report.

Khan expressed satisfaction with the encouraging export growth in various emerging markets and directed the officials to capitalize on this momentum through market diversification, strengthening business-to-business connections, and enhanced engagement with overseas trade missions. He stressed the identification of fresh prospects for Pakistani rice, textiles, agricultural goods, pharmaceuticals, processed foods, light engineering products, and services.

Khan emphasized that trade agreements must deliver balanced and commercially beneficial advantages to Pakistan. He called for the periodic assessment of existing arrangements and the prompt resolution of pending Joint Trade Committee and Joint Working Group meetings. Additionally, he advocated for improved collaboration among the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, overseas missions, chambers of commerce, and trade associations to transform diplomatic engagements into concrete export and investment outcomes.

Khan concluded by stating that Pakistan's exporters have demonstrated significant potential in both traditional and emerging markets, and the focus should be on eliminating trade barriers, diversifying exports, and converting every trade engagement into quantifiable economic gains.