Government targets greater processing, certification, branding and traceability to expand access to international markets and boost export earnings.
The government has launched consultations with agriculture-sector stakeholders to develop a comprehensive roadmap for expanding Pakistan’s high-value agricultural exports through processing, certification, traceability, branding and improved access to international markets.
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal chaired the third session of the Strategic Dialogue Series on “Unlocking Pakistan’s High-Value Export Potential” on Friday. Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce and Industry Rana Ahsan also participated in the meeting.
Ahsan Iqbal stressed the need to transform Pakistan’s agriculture sector by moving away from raw commodity exports towards processed, certified and branded products. He said this shift could unlock billions of dollars in additional export potential.
The roundtable included around 100 representatives from federal and provincial institutions, universities, chambers, trade associations, certification bodies, exporters and growers involved in meat, poultry, dairy, rice, dates, horticulture, olives and organic products.
The planning minister noted that agriculture contributes nearly one-fourth of Pakistan’s GDP and employs around 37% of the labour force, but its contribution to exports remains relatively low. He said the dialogue aimed to establish practical cooperation between the government, private sector, academia and research institutions.
Rana Ahsan highlighted that agricultural products account for nearly 22% of Pakistan’s exports but remain largely concentrated in raw commodities. He said value addition, branding and processing would be essential for achieving the government’s $60 billion export target and eventually exceeding $100 billion by 2035.
The government plans to increase the EXIM Bank export financing pool from Rs1 trillion to Rs2 trillion between 2026 and 2028. A dedicated financing facility for small and medium-sized enterprises is also being developed in coordination with the Finance Ministry and State Bank of Pakistan.
Food exports reached $5.02 billion in FY2026 against a food import bill of $9.15 billion. However, the new fiscal year started positively, with food exports rising 2.5% in July 2026. Rice exports increased 19%, while meat exports climbed 16%.
Stakeholders identified halal meat, poultry, premium horticulture, branded basmati rice, processed foods, dates and edible oils as areas offering substantial export opportunities. The government is targeting $700 million in halal meat exports by 2028.
Participants also proposed stronger disease control, improved livestock breeds, better storage facilities, quality controls for rice exports and national organic standards. They called for affordable certification schemes to help small farmers access premium international markets.
The Ministry of National Food Security and Research said livestock export mechanisms, including breeding policy, the Animal Health Bill and a Rs7.35 billion livestock traceability programme, were already being developed.
The consultations will focus on removing tax, regulatory and certification barriers while strengthening processing and traceability infrastructure. The government expects these reforms to position agriculture as a key driver of Pakistan’s ambition to surpass $100 billion in exports by 2035.