Mian Zahid urges steps for boosting exports to US

KARACHI - The President of the Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum, Mian Zahid Hussain, has called for a joint strategy to boost Pakistan's exports to the United States. The Ministry of Commerce, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, Pakistan’s trade missions, and FPCCI should work together to promote exports, he said.

Securing new orders should be backed by timely tax refunds, adequate financing, and reliable maritime services to ensure exporters meet their commitments. Strengthening trade relations would lead to increased investment, technology transfer, industrial production, and employment in Pakistan. Hussain emphasized that while Pakistan's imports from the US are growing rapidly, exports are only growing marginally.

He urged the government to adopt a strategy to expand exports, enhance net foreign exchange earnings, and protect the bilateral trade surplus. Enhanced cooperation in bilateral trade, along with efforts to improve the share of Pakistani products, industrial production, and export-related employment, is crucial. He suggested the relevant institutions help Pakistani industries increase their market share in the US through higher quality, certifications, packaging, and marketing.

Hussain acknowledged Pakistan's diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between the US and Iran, which affects global energy supplies and maritime trade. He believed that high-level diplomatic engagement with the US could also serve as an opportunity for economic diplomacy. The Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Foreign Affairs should utilize these engagements to prioritize better access for Pakistani products, lower tariff barriers, and more business opportunities for Pakistani exporters.

Hussain stressed that efforts to secure new orders, investments, and employment opportunities for Pakistani industries should complement improvements in diplomatic relations.