Pakistan is targeting $100 billion in annual exports by 2035 through trade reforms, improved international market access, stronger industrial competitiveness and consistent economic policies, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce and Industries Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan said on October 16, 2026.
Addressing the closing ceremony of the 39th Annual General Meeting and International Conference of the Pakistan Society of Development Economists (PSDE) at the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) in Islamabad, he said the government was working to transition the economy towards an export-oriented growth model.
The two-day conference, titled “Mission $100 Billion: The National Race for Sustainable Export-led Prosperity,” brought together policymakers, economists, researchers and business representatives to discuss strategies for expanding Pakistan’s exports.
Government Targets $60 Billion in Medium-Term Exports
Rana Ihsaan Afzal said achieving the medium-term export target of $60 billion and the longer-term goal of $100 billion by 2035 would require structural reforms, greater export diversification and improved industrial productivity.
He emphasised that Pakistan needed to address persistent economic challenges by strengthening its export base and improving the competitiveness of domestic industries.
The government’s approach includes tariff rationalisation, reducing unnecessary regulatory requirements, facilitating exporters and expanding access to international markets.
National Tariff Policy Aims to Improve Industrial Competitiveness
Highlighting the National Tariff Policy 2025–30, the PM’s coordinator said the policy aimed to rationalise duties across approximately 7,500 tariff lines, gradually eliminate regulatory and additional customs duties, and reduce the maximum customs duty to 15%.
These measures are intended to improve access to industrial inputs and support the competitiveness of domestic manufacturers and exporters.
The government is also reviewing around 500 regulatory requirements and removing unnecessary certification and inspection procedures under the Export Policy Order to reduce administrative hurdles for businesses.
Rana Ihsaan Afzal said the Prime Minister had approved a Trade Facilitation Board to strengthen coordination among government agencies, streamline export logistics and reduce port-related costs.
SME Financing and Tax Relief for Exporters
The government is also seeking to expand financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with plans to increase SME financing from Rs1 trillion to Rs2 trillion.
Exporters are being supported through concessional financing arrangements involving EXIM Bank and commercial banks, according to the coordinator.
He added that the tax collection rate on export proceeds had been reduced from 2% to 1.25% in the federal budget for FY2026–27 to ease financial pressure on exporters.
Improved access to financing and lower transaction costs are expected to support business expansion, investment and export capacity.
Pakistan Seeks Wider Access to International Markets
Rana Ihsaan Afzal highlighted Pakistan’s progress under the European Union’s GSP Plus arrangement, the Pakistan–UK Trade Dialogue and existing trade agreements with partner countries.
He said trade negotiations and engagements with Vietnam, South Korea, Cambodia, Bangladesh and African countries were aimed at expanding market access for Pakistani products.
The coordinator also highlighted 16 sanitary and phytosanitary protocols with China that have opened additional opportunities for Pakistani agricultural exports.
These arrangements are relevant to agricultural and food exporters seeking to meet importing countries’ regulatory requirements and broaden their overseas customer base.
TDAP and Digital Trade Systems Support Export Growth
The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) is strengthening international business connections through trade exhibitions and business-to-business engagements, the coordinator said.
He identified the upcoming FoodAg 2026 exhibition in Karachi as an important platform for promoting agricultural products and value-added exports.
Digital infrastructure is also playing a role in simplifying trade procedures. Pakistan Single Window connects more than 108,000 traders with 32 government agencies, helping coordinate regulatory processes through a unified system.
Meanwhile, 19 sectoral councils provide a mechanism for private-sector participation in trade policymaking.
Rana Ihsaan Afzal said artificial intelligence, information and communication technology services, agriculture, minerals, tourism, the blue economy and creative industries offered significant potential to diversify Pakistan’s export base.
PSDE Recommendations Highlight Need for Policy Continuity
Earlier, Dr. Faheem Jehangir, Dean (Policy) at PIDE and Secretary of PSDE, presented the conference’s recommendations. He identified inconsistent policies, high trading costs, limited export diversification and weak investor confidence as major obstacles to export-led growth.
He called for policy continuity, investment in export-oriented industries, skills development, industrial upgrading and a stronger focus on productivity rather than protectionism.
The conference included panel discussions, technical sessions, research presentations and a PhD symposium, bringing academic research and policy discussions together around Pakistan’s economic challenges.
Researchers Recognised at Closing Ceremony
The closing ceremony also recognised outstanding research through Best Research Paper and Poster Awards.
Dr. Jamshaid ur Rehman secured first position in the research paper competition and received Rs300,000. Dr. Muhammad Ali placed second, receiving Rs200,000, while Dr. Fatima Ejaz secured third position with an award of Rs100,000.
The organisers also announced prizes of Rs150,000 and Rs100,000 for the top two research posters.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Nadeem Javaid, Vice Chancellor of PIDE and President of PSDE, said Pakistan’s economic stability depended on sustained export growth and evidence-based policymaking.
He encouraged young researchers to continue examining the country’s economic challenges and translate academic findings into practical policy solutions. He also stressed that economic planning should focus not only on managing scarce resources but on creating prosperity.
Government to Review Conference Recommendations
Concluding his address, Rana Ihsaan Afzal assured participants that the conference recommendations would be examined for possible incorporation into the government’s ongoing trade reform agenda.
He expressed confidence that consistent reforms, stronger public-private cooperation and improved export competitiveness could help Pakistan achieve its $100 billion annual export target by 2035.
The target will require sustained implementation across trade policy, financing, industrial productivity, market access and export diversification, alongside coordination between the government and private sector.