Govt targets $60bn export growth over five years

May 13, 2025 (MLN): The next five years will focus on achieving a $60 billion export target, with concerned ministers directed to prepare business plans to meet this goal, according to Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal.

He chaired a high-level meeting to review Pakistan’s export-led growth strategy under the “Uraan Pakistan” program.

The session marked the first bimonthly meeting focused on the first “E”—Exports from the five Es framework that outlines the government’s vision to transform Pakistan into a $1 trillion economy by 2035.

During the meeting, Prof. Iqbal directed relevant ministries to establish working groups, develop cluster-wise business plans, define measurable export targets, and submit execution frameworks ahead of the next review meeting scheduled in two weeks.

“This is not business as usual. We need to adopt a radically different approach a breakaway from the past. This is a 100-meter sprint. We must run faster than our competitors to capture global markets,” said the Minister.

He highlighted the importance of data-driven planning and value chain development, instructing the Planning Ministry to conduct a detailed data analytics exercise to evaluate domestic capabilities and assess global market trends.

Unless we have exact, precise data, our resources will be wasted.

We must sit at the drawing board and align our capacities with global demand, he said.

The Minister noted that developing exports goes beyond logistics and includes building a complete ecosystem covering regulatory compliance, certification, branding, and integration with global supply chains.

“Made in Pakistan” must represent quality, productivity, and sustainability, he added.

The Planning Ministry is actively supporting the development of eight strategic clusters aimed at driving future export growth in Pakistan, according to the press release.

These clusters include Agriculture and Agro-based Exports, Industry and Manufacturing (which encompasses textiles, engineering, and pharmaceuticals), and Services (excluding IT, but including financial services, medical tourism, and consultancy).

Additionally, Information Technology and Digital Services, Mining and Minerals, Manpower Exports and Overseas Employment, Blue Economy (focusing on maritime sectors), and Creative Industries (spanning media, arts, and culture) are also key areas identified for growth.

Each of these clusters will play a vital role in Pakistan’s export strategy moving forward.

Each of these clusters has been assigned to a relevant ministry, which will lead the preparation of detailed, inter-ministerial business plans across their respective sectors.

Prof. Iqbal stressed the need for adherence to international environmental and quality benchmarks, including certifications for preferential trade regimes such as GSP+.

Declaring the challenge as an economic emergency, he urged the Ministry of Commerce to break down the $60bn target across the eight identified sectors, propose actionable policies, and work closely with provincial governments and private sector stakeholders.

“This requires a national effort. Just as our Air Forces have made us proud with hard work, our economic institutions must now step up to make the nation proud,” he said.

He concluded by reinforcing the 80/20 principle focusing on high-impact initiatives and reiterated that each of the five “Es” under the Uraan Pakistan framework will undergo fortnightly reviews to ensure accountability and timely implementation.

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