Rise in exports a sign of movement in the right direction, says Dawood

• It was good to see a change in the trend after exports showed a significant increase in February, says Dawood.

Adviser to Prime Minister of Pakistan for Commerce, Industry and Investment, Abdul Razzaq Dawood has said that the rise in export figures is a sign that the economy of the country is moving in the right direction.

Addressing a seminar on Thursday in Islamabad, the advisor said that Pakistan exports have been declining for years, however, it was good to see a change in the trend after exports showed a significant increase in February.

The country's exports posted 3.62 percent growth during the first eight months (July-February) of 2019-20 to $ 15.643 billion from $ 15.096 billion during the corresponding period of 2018-19. Whereas, imports have shown 14.49pc decline to $ 31.302 billion during this period from $ 36.562 billion in the corresponding period 2018-19.

The advisor informed that a comprehensive policy is being formulated for sugar, cotton, agriculture products and exports. Dawood urged to boost exports of value-added products in the agriculture sector.

He said that ethanol should be promoted as an alternative fuel source.

Talking about the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, the advisor admitted that the trade supply has been

Imports due to Coronavirus have problems with export, Abdul Razzaq Daud