Independent Report
Karachi: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) hosted a high-level “Consultative Session with Stakeholders on Export Performance” at Federation House, Karachi, aimed at enhancing Pakistan’s exports and reinforcing economic stability. The session was chaired by Federal Secretary for Commerce, Mr. Jawad Paul, and attended by senior government officials including Mr. Saif Anjum, Secretary Industries & Production, TDAP officials, and major trade bodies.
FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh, in his welcome address, stressed that export growth is central to Pakistan’s economic stability and appreciated the Ministry of Commerce’s efforts to engage the private sector in addressing practical challenges. He noted that sustainable export growth requires close coordination between policymakers and the business community. While exporters are resilient and innovative, they face challenges such as high business costs, energy shortages, limited access to finance, market diversification hurdles, and compliance with international standards.
Mr. Sheikh highlighted opportunities in value-added manufacturing, services, IT, and agro-based industries, expressing confidence that the session would lead to strategies that strengthen foreign exchange reserves, create employment, and promote sustainable economic growth.
The session included broad representation from key private sector stakeholders, including:
Textiles: APTMA, APTPMA, PRGMEA, and TMA
Fruits & Vegetables: Pakistan Fruits & Vegetables Association (PFVA)
Travel & Tourism: Pakistan Association of Tour Operators (PATO) and Travel Agents Association of Pakistan (TAAP)
Transport & Logistics: Pakistan International Freight Forwarders Association (PIFFA)
Following sector-wise discussions, Chair Mr. Jawad Paul emphasized the need for regionally competitive energy costs and facilitative taxation for exporters. Secretary Industries & Production, Mr. Saif Anjum, highlighted the development of a large export processing zone on Pakistan Steel Mills’ lands to facilitate export-oriented industries, urging trade and industry to fully capitalize on these opportunities.
