Islamabad, January 7, 2026 — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday emphasized the need to significantly increase rice exports and directed relevant authorities to prepare a comprehensive export strategy in close coordination with the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP).
Chairing a high-level review meeting on the promotion of national exports, the prime minister reiterated that export-led growth remains a key priority of the government. He instructed officials to develop a clear roadmap to enhance exports, particularly agricultural products, in order to strengthen foreign exchange earnings and reduce the country’s trade deficit.
PM Shehbaz Sharif also called for fast-tracking institutional reforms aimed at facilitating exporters and improving ease of doing business. He stressed that timely payment of tax refunds to exporters is critical for sustaining export momentum and warned that no negligence would be tolerated in this regard.
During the meeting, officials briefed the prime minister on the government’s export promotion policies and shared trade performance data for the period from July to December 2025. The briefing highlighted ongoing efforts to diversify exports by promoting high-value sectors such as engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and processed food items.
Officials also informed the meeting that steps are being taken to integrate Pakistan’s exports into global value chains, alongside improvements in port infrastructure and logistics systems to reduce costs and improve efficiency for exporters. Additionally, negotiations are underway with several countries on government-to-government agreements to expand rice exports.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad, and other senior officials.