PM sets goal of doubling exports in five years

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the formulation of a strategy aimed at doubling the country’s exports within the next five years. He has also instructed the Ministry of Trade to compile this strategy in consultation with successful entrepreneurs and stakeholders. Chairing a high-level meeting on the export sector, attended by ministers including Jam Kamal and Rana Tanveer Hussain, as well as prominent e-commerce entrepreneurs like CEO Utopia Jabran Niaz and Zeeshan Shah Tuesday, the prime minister emphasized extending facilitation to exporters in the e-commerce sector and resolving issues faced by “Made in Pakistan” brand exporters.

He underscored the importance of maximising the utilisation of export sector, particularly in promoting IT, domestic products, textiles and other exceptional sectors, urging relevant stakeholders’ involvement in the process.

The meeting also discussed proposals and recommendations for the development of the export sector. The premier highlighted the need to promote industries exporting items integral to global value chains.

In a meeting with the Iranian ambassador, the prime minister emphasised collaboration between Pakistan and Iran on various fronts, including trade, energy, connectivity, cultural exchanges, and security cooperation. He expressed gratitude for Iran’s support on issues like Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine.

Shehbaz Sharif has also met PMLN Quaid Nawaz Sharif. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Information Minister Attar Tarar, Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Khel Das Kohistani, and Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayyaz Sadiq were also present.

The meeting took place in the Prime Minister’s Chambers in Parliament House. They exchanged views on the overall political situation of the country, besides reviewing matters related to the Senate polls. Nawaz Sharif issued special directives about the political strategy on the Senate polls. He stressed the importance of giving relief to the people despite difficulties and emphasised the implementation and focus of the manifesto.

The law minister gave a briefing on the situation following the writing of letters by six judges of the Islamabad High Court and suo motu notice. Additionally, the prime minister formed a committee to address the challenges faced by Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) during a meeting with Chief Minister Gulbar Khan. The committee will present recommendations after consulting the stakeholders.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif affirmed the government’s commitment to prioritising the development of GB, including education and health facilities, and instructed construction of Danish schools across all the three divisions of GB to provide international-quality education and accommodation for students from low-income families. He also directed the acceleration of work on hydropower projects in the region and sought a strategy for solar power projects. The meeting also discussed progress on infrastructure projects contributing to the region’s progress and prosperity. In a separate event, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif cast his vote in the Senate election held at the Parliament House, along with other political leaders.