Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for export diversification, higher product quality, greater value addition and wider access to international markets to drive Pakistan’s economic growth.
ISLAMABAD, September 15, 2026: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed the government to make export growth a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economic expansion, urging greater participation from industries beyond the country’s traditional export sectors.
Chairing a review meeting on improving exports and accelerating economic growth, the prime minister stressed the need to involve the maximum possible number of sectors and industries in export activities to diversify Pakistan’s trade base.
He directed the relevant authorities to take effective measures to bring the quality of Pakistani products in line with international standards, strengthen quality assurance systems and ensure compliance with global regulations.
The prime minister also emphasised the importance of value addition in exports to increase the value and competitiveness of Pakistani products in international markets.
Technology and innovation for export growth
Prime Minister Shehbaz directed authorities to promote modern technology, research and innovation across export-oriented industries.
He said Pakistan should make full use of digitalisation and modern technologies to align the national economy with evolving global requirements.
The prime minister also called for the removal of administrative and business-related hurdles faced by exporters, directing authorities to make the export process easier, faster and more transparent.
Officials briefed the meeting on progress in implementing the strategic roadmap approved for export promotion.
The meeting also reviewed proposals concerning access to new international markets, diversification of export sectors, improvement in product quality and ease of doing business.
Participants held a detailed discussion on measures to improve the global competitiveness of Pakistan’s export-oriented industries.
Pakistan seeks new international markets
The meeting was informed that efforts were under way to conclude free trade agreements and preferential trade arrangements with several friendly countries to improve market access for Pakistani products.
Officials also briefed the meeting on measures to bring Pakistani horticultural products into the country’s export portfolio.
The participation of Pakistani exporters in international hospital tenders and procurement processes is also being encouraged to increase exports of surgical and medical equipment.
The meeting was further informed that exhibitions, including TEXPO, Health Engineering and Minerals Show, Food and Agriculture (FoodAg) events and other sector-specific exhibitions, were being organised in different cities to showcase Pakistani products to international companies.
Focus on innovation and Export Development Fund
Officials said work was also under way to align Pakistan’s intellectual property laws with contemporary requirements to encourage innovation and support export-oriented industries.
The meeting was informed that the restructuring process of the Export Development Fund (EDF) had been completed and that the fund was taking measures to facilitate the business community.
The prime minister’s directives reflect the government’s broader push to diversify Pakistan’s export base, improve product quality, expand access to international markets and enhance the competitiveness of domestic industries.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Rana Tanveer Hussain, Jam Kamal Khan, Dr Musadik Masood Malik, Ahad Khan Cheema and Muhammad Aurangzeb, Prime Minister’s Adviser Haroon Akhtar, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani and senior officials of relevant institutions attended the meeting.