Key points

  • Mian Zahid Hussain called for a joint strategy by the Ministry of Commerce, TDAP, trade missions, and FPCCI to increase exports to the US.
  • Exporters require timely tax refunds, adequate financing, and reliable maritime services to meet their delivery schedules.
  • Pakistan's merchandise imports from the US are growing rapidly while exports see only marginal growth, prompting calls to protect the bilateral trade surplus.

According to the Business Recorder, Mian Zahid Hussain, serving as President of the Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum, All Karachi Industrial Alliance, National Business Group Pakistan, and Chairman of the FPCCI Policy Advisory Board, urged authorities to address the growing trade imbalance with the United States. He noted that while imports from the US are increasing rapidly, Pakistani exports are recording only marginal growth.

Key Details

Business Recorder reported that Hussain stressed the importance of securing new orders through adequate financing, reliable maritime services, and the timely payment of tax refunds so that exporters can fulfill commitments on schedule. He emphasized that sustainable trade relations must generate greater investment, technology transfer, industrial production, and employment within Pakistan. To achieve a stronger market presence, he urged relevant institutions to assist industries in improving product quality, certification, packaging, and marketing for American buyers.

Context and Impact

According to the Business Recorder, adopting an effective strategy to expand US exports is vital for strengthening Pakistan's net foreign exchange earnings and protecting its prevailing bilateral trade surplus. Alongside bilateral trade cooperation, the recommendations highlight the need to focus on increasing overall industrial production and generating export-related employment.

Summary and What Next

The business community has urged the government and relevant institutions to formulate a coordinated plan to boost trade performance. Further developments depend on official policy measures and institutional support for exporters.