PM Sharif orders roadmap to expand export-led industries

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday that Pakistan will prioritise support for small and medium enterprises, research and development and innovation to boost exports as the government reviewed its export growth strategy.

Chairing a meeting on national exports, Sharif said export-led industry was “indispensable” for national development and stressed that targeted facilitation of industries was a key government priority.

He directed officials to prepare a roadmap for providing government support to small and medium-sized businesses linked to export growth, and to design a strategy to promote new industries contributing to exports.

The prime minister said investment in research, development and innovation would help make domestic products more competitive in global markets.

Sharif also directed authorities to ensure timely payment of tax refunds to exporters, a long-standing demand of the business community.

The meeting reviewed a draft export growth strategy, with officials presenting a detailed briefing and participants sharing recommendations on policy measures.

The discussion comes as Pakistan seeks to stabilise its external accounts and expand its export base amid ongoing economic pressures.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and other senior cabinet members.