Govt reviews export rebate framework ahead of budget

Pakistan’s government reviewed the export rebate framework ahead of the upcoming federal budget, including rebates and reward mechanisms linked to export growth and targets.

A high-level meeting was held under the chairmanship of Ahad Cheema, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, to review export promotion schemes and policy options for the upcoming federal budget, with a focus on strengthening Pakistan’s exports and supporting priority sectors through effective and targeted incentives, read a statement on Saturday.

The meeting was attended by Bilal Azhar Kayani, Minister of State for Finance; Jameel Ahmad, Governor State Bank of Pakistan; Imdadullah Bosal, Secretary Finance; Rashid Mahmood Langrial, Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR); and Jawad Paul, Secretary Commerce. International experts Dr Ijaz Nabi and Stefan Dercon also participated in the meeting and shared their views on export competitiveness and economic policy reforms.

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During the meeting, the participants also discussed export policy proposals under consideration for the upcoming budget.

The meeting reviewed different options regarding export incentives, including the introduction of performance-based rebates, incentives linked to incremental export growth, and reward mechanisms based on the achievement of export targets.

The Minister for Economic Affairs emphasised the importance of adopting a sustainable and performance-based export incentive framework that promotes higher export volumes, value addition, diversification of export products, and stronger integration of small and medium enterprises into global value chains.

Participants agreed on the need to align incentive schemes with measurable outcomes to ensure transparency, efficiency, and long-term economic gains.

Detailed discussions were held on priority export sectors and the formulation of suitable policy measures aimed at enhancing export growth, improving competitiveness, increasing SME participation in exports, and expanding Pakistan’s presence in international markets.

Various proposals relating to fiscal support, trade facilitation, and sector-specific incentives were also reviewed during the meeting. Participants observed that not only tax reductions, but also improved factors of production, infrastructure, facilitation measures, and ease of doing business would play a critical role in boosting exports.

The proposed measures will be further refined in consultation with relevant stakeholders ahead of finalisation of the federal budget, read the statement.