By Moaaz Manzoor

Pakistan’s value-added exports posted encouraging gains in FY2025, with the mineral and metal products (MMPs) sector contributing USD4.02 billion, accounting for 13.1 percent of national exports, reports Wealth Pakistan. Documents show that under the Strategic Trade Policy Framework, the Ministry of Commerce has established dedicated sectoral councils for key sectors such as rice and fisheries. These councils serve as structured platforms for consultation between public and private stakeholders on policy, compliance, and market development.

The ministry also maintains regular coordination with trade associations, such as Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) and Pakistan Fisheries Exporter Association (PAKFEA), to address exporters’ concerns through joint reviews and stakeholder meetings. To prevent export disruptions, the ministry continues to monitor non-tariff barriers (NTBs) and coordinate with relevant agencies and provincial governments, particularly in sensitive destinations such as the European Union and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets.

Meanwhile, the pharmaceutical sector — valued at around USD3.5 billion — has emerged as another focus area. Plans are under consideration to set up a dedicated export promotion council, enhance collaboration in research and development for generics and biopharmaceuticals, and explore investment partnerships with Saudi firms. The sector recorded a 34 percent growth in exports during FY2024–25, reaching USD457 million.

Documents further reveal that the Agro-Products Export Enhancement Roadmap, approved in principle by the prime minister during the 4th meeting of the National Export Development Board (NEDB) in August 2025, is now being implemented. The roadmap outlines market-specific strategies, value addition targets, and compliance measures across major agro sectors, including rice and fisheries. It is expected to become a key component of the upcoming Strategic Trade Policy Framework (STPF) 2025–30.

Performance-based targets are also being developed for Pakistan’s commercial attachés to ensure that their market development activities yield measurable results. According to the roadmap, the government’s next phase of work will center on promoting value-added and investment-led export growth. Future initiatives are expected to focus strongly on attracting Saudi investment in industrial sectors such as marble, granite, and pharmaceuticals.

With marble and granite reserves estimated at over 300 billion tonnes, the ministry plans to pursue joint ventures with Saudi partners to modernize quarrying and processing operations. These collaborations aim to improve extraction efficiency and expand the production of processed goods such as tiles and slabs.

Officials said these measures are intended to improve competitiveness across Pakistan’s export-oriented sectors, strengthen compliance with international standards, and support a gradual transition toward higher-value manufacturing and diversified markets.

Credit: INP-WealthPk