Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has set a target to increase the country’s exports to $60 billion annually and has instructed the Ministry of Commerce and relevant agencies to take practical steps to achieve this target within the next three years.
Meanwhile, Pakistan and Turkmenistan have agreed to enhance cooperation in all sectors, including the economy and defense.
Undoubtedly, formulating a strategy focused on increasing exports is a positive sign of progress towards economic independence.
We will highlight a few key sectors where improved planning could facilitate reaching the export target.
For instance, Balochistan has abundant minerals, particularly valuable metals like graphite, which can be utilized to generate significant foreign exchange.
There is considerable potential for improvement in agriculture and fisheries. Policy-level planning is needed to develop mineral and agricultural resources with modern technology.
Similarly, small and medium enterprises are the backbone of any economy.
Expanding the network of small and medium industries across the country can create employment and development opportunities.
Laws and regulations also need to be made more business-friendly. To get the economy back on track, alternative energy projects need to be developed and practical measures must be implemented.
Modern technology for treating wastewater for industrial use should be developed, and progress towards a hydrogen economy should begin.
The textile sector is of special importance as Pakistan’s exports have traditionally depended heavily on it.
The textile sector is also a major source of employment in the country, providing jobs to millions of workers and supporting various other sectors within the textile value chain.
However, due to the increase in electricity and gas prices required to meet IMF program targets, the sector is already facing difficulties.
Many textile mills have partially shut down, and those still operating are facing unfavorable conditions.
Due to rising external debts, a decline in large-scale manufacturing, and other issues, the industrial process is already in decline.
Therefore, it is crucial to pay special attention to the textile industry to boost exports. This will not only alleviate Pakistan’s economic difficulties but also increase employment opportunities.
Encouraging investment in the textile sector through export incentives and improving market access for Pakistani exporters will help increase export volume and reduce the trade deficit.
Pakistan is rich in resources, and to benefit from them, it needs to develop a skilled workforce.
Unfortunately, amnesty schemes for black money owners discourage honest taxpayers in the country. There is significant potential for foreign investment in Pakistan’s tourism sector.
To increase exports, solid measures are necessary. Positive developments are emerging from friendly countries and the IMF.
On the other hand, amidst global economic uncertainty, Pakistan’s market resilience and growth potential have attracted foreign investors seeking profitable opportunities.
Recent government policies aim to enhance market transparency and regulatory reforms, boosting investor confidence and increasing foreign investment.
This is seen as a positive indicator for Pakistan’s economy, suggesting new confidence from international investors.
It is expected to invigorate financial markets, stimulate economic growth, and open up more investment opportunities in the country.
Economic relations with Central Asian states, the Middle East, and Gulf countries are crucial for boosting Pakistan’s economy.
Their importance is heightened by the fact that trade relations with India have been suspended since August 2019 and economic dialogue with Afghanistan has often faced challenges due to the Taliban government.
These factors discourage foreign investors. Another discouraging factor is terrorism, particularly attacks on Chinese workers, which affects the willingness of foreign investors to start major projects in Pakistan.
Additionally, under the dictates of international financial institutions, we have to shape our economic policies, and the pricing formulas for electricity, gas, and petroleum products are set by these institutions, leading to severe public hardship.
The public is also strongly opposed to borrowing. The CPEC project is a prime example of foreign investment, where China has spent billions of dollars directly in Pakistan to develop the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
This project will provide significant benefits to Pakistan, while China continues to gain from its investment.
Since General Asim Munir assumed military leadership, he has played a significant role in attracting foreign investment to Pakistan.
Efforts to attract overseas Pakistanis to invest in Pakistan are also crucial. Measures should be taken to protect the property and assets of overseas Pakistanis in Pakistan.
Any cases of land grabbing should be resolved promptly, with clear announcements and the establishment of a portal to address these issues.
Although laws exist to address illegal land grabs, with judges able to impose fines and penalties, unfortunately, civil cases often drag on for generations without resolution.
Therefore, until strict enforcement of these laws eradicates land-grabbing mafias, overseas Pakistanis’ confidence will not be restored.
The government should improve legislation to provide prompt justice to foreign investors.
Pakistan is a resource-rich country with immense investment opportunities in every sector. With appropriate investment, significant profits can be made, as evidenced by many major global brands operating profitably in Pakistan for decades.
This has also created millions of jobs and provided substantial tax revenue to the government.
Offering a 52% partnership to brotherly Islamic countries in major national institutions could lead to significant profits and alleviate economic burdens.
It would also result in substantial tax revenue from foreign investment and create new employment opportunities.
In Pakistan’s agriculture sector, utilizing modern facilities to access global food markets, and investing in dairy and meat industries offer vast opportunities.
Similarly, the mining sector has all the natural resources needed for investment. With effort and by providing facilities and ease of access to foreign investors and overseas Pakistanis, foreign investment in Pakistan can rapidly increase.
It is hoped that soon Pakistan will be free from aid and debt, with foreign investment leading to a significant reduction in unemployment and rapid stabilization of the economy.
The continuous decline in the value of the dollar and inflation rate suggests that the country is moving towards positive indicators.