ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed the authorities to cut red tape for exporters and simplify trade procedures as the government seeks to broaden the country’s export base and boost economic growth.
Chairing a meeting to review measures to increase exports, the prime minister said expanding overseas trade should be central to the country’s economic strategy.
He called for more industries and sectors to be brought into international markets and urged officials to make export procedures faster, simpler and more transparent.
The prime minister also called for greater value to be added to Pakistani goods before they are sold abroad, arguing that improved quality and competitiveness would help the country win a larger share of international markets.
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Officials were told to bring domestically manufactured products into line with international standards, strengthen quality-control and assurance systems and ensure that exporters comply with overseas regulations.
Sharif also stressed the importance of technology, research and innovation in export-oriented industries.
Greater digitalisation, he added, was needed to bring Pakistan’s economy in line with changing global trade requirements.
The meeting reviewed progress on a government roadmap for promoting exports and considered proposals to open new markets, diversify the country’s export portfolio, raise product standards and make it easier for businesses to operate.
Officials said Pakistan was pursuing free trade and preferential trade agreements with several countries in an effort to improve access for its products.
The government is also seeking to expand the range of goods it sells abroad, including horticultural produce, while increasing exports of surgical and medical equipment.
Officials said measures were being developed to encourage Pakistani manufacturers and exporters to compete for international hospital tenders and procurement contracts, potentially opening a larger market for the country’s medical-equipment industry.
The government is also using trade exhibitions to promote Pakistani products to international buyers.
Events including TEXPO, the Health, Engineering and Minerals Show and FoodAg are being held in different cities, alongside exhibitions focused on individual sectors.
Officials told the meeting that work was under way to update the country’s intellectual property laws to reflect current requirements, with the aim of encouraging innovation and strengthening export-oriented industries.
The restructuring of the Export Development Fund (EDF) has also been completed, the meeting was told.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal, Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik, and Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Cheema, adviser to the prime minister on industries and production Haroon Akhtar, State Minister for Finance Bilal Kayani and senior officials attended the meeting.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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