Pakistan Launches Export Emergency Plan, Targets $60 Billion by 2029

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the formation of a high-level committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, to consider an “export emergency” plan aimed at boosting Pakistan’s exports to $60 billion by 2029.

The committee will review proposals to remove bottlenecks in the export sector, including delays in tax refunds, streamlining operations, and improving coordination between ministries. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said the goal is to double exports over the next four years and reach $100 billion over a decade, reducing reliance on the IMF and short-term loans from friendly countries, which currently stand at nearly $13 billion.

Key Measures Proposed

• Establish a Prime Minister’s Hotline for exporters and a dashboard to track refunds, ensuring payments within 30 days.
• Consider making national holidays optional for the export industry to prevent losses in production cycles.
• Provide special support to top 200 exporters, including regular visits and facilitation.
• Fast-track activation of special economic and industrial zones through the Board of Investment.
• Encourage ministries, including Commerce, Industries, and Foreign Affairs, to align policies with export growth, diversify products, and expand global market share.
• Engage the Pakistani diaspora for investment, knowledge-sharing, and export development.
• Review free trade agreements and mobilize joint ministerial commissions to enhance exports.

Economic Context

Iqbal said Pakistan’s economy had stabilized, with 3.7% growth in the first quarter and 5% growth in large-scale manufacturing during the first four months of the fiscal year. He emphasized that the government aims for export-led growth rather than an import- or consumption-driven model, which could trigger a balance-of-payments crisis.

According to the briefing to the prime minister, Pakistan’s exports have grown only 4.1 times in the past 24 years, compared to Vietnam’s 26-fold increase, highlighting the potential for accelerated export expansion. Priority sectors identified include textiles, agriculture, engineering goods, and information services. The Dar-led committee is expected to submit its recommendations next week, after which the prime minister will decide on formal implementation.