Faraz Saeed

LAHORE: Pakistan&rsquo;s exports to Europe continued to rise this year, with official data showing a steady increase in demand across multiple regions of the continent. According to the State Bank of Pakistan&rsquo;s latest data, in the first four months of FY26, exports to European countries grew 5.66%, increasing from $3.004 billion to $3.174 billion. This follows the upward movement in fiscal year 2025, when exports to the EU rose 7.44%, reaching $8.863 billion compared to $8.249 billion a year earlier. The figures indicate that Europe is purchasing more from Pakistan, with growth spread across southern, northern, and eastern Europe. Even parts of Western Europe have shown modest increases. Textiles and clothing continue to account for the bulk of the rise, reinforcing their position as the backbone of Pakistan&rsquo;s export profile. SBP data shows that Western Europe remains Pakistan&rsquo;s largest export market, with Germany, the Netherlands, France, Italy, and Belgium at its core, but it showed only a marginal decline this year. Exports to the region slipped 0.2% in the first four months of FY26, edging down to $1.491 billion from $1.494 billion a year earlier. In contrast, southern Europe continued to strengthen its position as a growth driver. Shipments to the region rose 12.19% to $1.159 billion, primarily driven by higher demand from Spain and Italy. Northern and eastern Europe also contributed to the upward trend: exports to northern Europe grew 9.84% to $257.4 million, while exports to eastern Europe rose 10.03% to $267.1 million. The United Kingdom, however, once Pakistan&rsquo;s single-largest European destination, posted a modest 1.03% dip during the period, with exports easing to $752.97 million from $760.83 million. But the broader trajectory remains positive; UK-bound exports had grown 7.19% in FY25 compared with the previous year. A key point in the data is that the increase is not linked to US tariff changes or trade diversion. Instead, it reflects direct and sustained demand from European buyers. Despite broader economic uncertainty and slower consumer spending across the EU, Pakistan&rsquo;s export orders have held firm and, in several markets, expanded. For policymakers and exporters, the trend offers a clearer picture: Europe remains one of Pakistan&rsquo;s most reliable and stable trading partners. The current data suggests that European markets are not only open but gradually increasing their sourcing from Pakistan. As global trade faces volatility, this steady rise in European demand stands out as a meaningful and measurable positive for Pakistan&rsquo;s export sector.

Economy

Southern Europe continues to strengthen position as growth driver; shipments to the region rise 12.19%, reaching $1.159 billion. northern, eastern Europe add to upward trend: exports to northern Europe grow 9.84% to $257.4 million, while eastern Europe records a 10.03% increase to $267.1 million.

Europe buys more from Pakistan as export trend strengthens

Syed Ahmed Raza

ISLAMABAD: The World Bank estimates an untapped potential of nearly US$60 billion for Pakistan&#39;s exports, according to its latest Pakistan Development Update report released this week. The report stated that some structural constraints obstructed Pakistan&rsquo;s export competitiveness and productivity. &quot;While the country has made progress in recent years, more reforms are needed to support export-led growth and improve resilience,&quot; it said.&nbsp;The World Bank said some tariffs, regulations, and limited access to trade finance and logistics continue to hamper export performance.&nbsp;The report acknowledged recent government initiatives, including the five-year National Tariff Policy (2026-2030), which aims to reduce the average tariff rate from 20.2 percent to 9.7 percent by 2030. However, it said tariff reforms alone would need to be complemented by steps such as a market-determined exchange rate, stronger trade finance systems, and improved digital and energy infrastructure to boost exports.&nbsp;&ldquo;The government has placed export growth at the center of its development agenda and has made important strides in tackling policy and structural barriers,&rdquo; said Anna Twum, co-author of the report. &ldquo;However, tariff reforms alone will not suffice and must be complemented by broader measures to ensure a market-determined exchange rate, strengthen trade finance, enhance trade facilitation, and expand access to export markets,&rdquo; she added. The report also underscored Pakistan&rsquo;s growing potential in digital services, noting that while digitally delivered exports now account for about 10 percent of total exports, Pakistan&rsquo;s global share remains low at just 0.1 percent. It suggested investing in broadband expansion, fiber-optic connectivity, and modern digital regulations to enhance export capacity in the IT and technology sectors.&nbsp;With the World Bank revising Pakistan&rsquo;s growth projection to 2.6 percent, the report said that unlocking export potential will be key to achieving sustainable, debt-free growth and ensuring long-term economic stability.

The bank highlights that high tariffs, regulatory barriers, and limited access to trade finance and logistics continue to weigh on export performance.

Pakistan has $60bn export potential, says World Bank

Maham Khan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is advancing a strategy to expand its meat and agricultural exports, aiming to position itself as a major player in the global halal market through regulatory reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and international partnerships, officials and industry experts said. The country aims to capture a larger share of the global halal market, valued at about $407.8 billion in 2023, according to a report by ICRIC, an affiliate of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Success could generate billions in foreign exchange and create jobs for millions, though infrastructure deficits and regional competition pose significant challenges. Untapped export potential Pakistan has 251.3 million livestock, with a growth rate of 3.18% annually since 2006, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics&rsquo; 7th Agricultural Census released in August 2024. The sector accounts for 63.6% of agricultural GDP and 14.97% of the total GDP, as per the Economic Survey 2024-25 released in June 2025. The Ministry of National Food Security and Research reported in June this year&nbsp;that over eight million rural families rely on livestock as their main livelihood. Despite this massive base, meat exports reached just $512 million with 123,515 tons in fiscal 2024 &mdash; a 20% increase from $426 million but under 3% of total exports, according to Pakistan Bureau of Statistics data reported in July 2024. Over 97% of Pakistan&#39;s approximately 2.2 million tons of meat production is consumed domestically, according to the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan&#39;s Meat Export Strategy 2023-2027. The government aims to address&nbsp;barriers through infrastructure investment, skills training and technology upgrades to modernize processing facilities, improve cold storage networks and strengthen disease control systems. Infrastructure challenges Infrastructure deficits remain the primary obstacle. In September 2025, the government announced plans to establish modern abattoirs and processing facilities nationwide to meet international halal standards. Outdated cold chains limit capacity. Production costs reach $5 per kilogram compared with India&#39;s $3.5 per kilogram, as revealed during a meeting with PM&rsquo;s&nbsp;Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar Khan with industry stakeholders on October 20, 2025. Foot and Mouth Disease restricts access to premium markets. October 2025 discussions with Malaysia and Qatar addressed these challenges while opening cooperation channels. Pakistan also vowed to improve disease control, breeding programs and traceability systems. Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain said at an October 19, 2025, meeting that Pakistan would overcome production costs and cold chain deficiencies through targeted interventions and public-private partnerships. International cooperation International partnerships provide access to expertise, technology and markets. October 2025 meetings with Australia, Malaysia, Qatar and the United States secured technical support. The Samsons Group is partnering with the Ministry of National Food Security and Pakistan Agricultural Research Council to improve livestock breeds, feed quality and disease control.&nbsp; The partnership aims to position Pakistan in, while promoting value-added products and agro-tourism in areas including Malam Jabba Valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Australia, which exported 1.69 million metric tons of beef in 2024, according to Meat and Livestock Australia, will provide technology transfer.&nbsp; Discussions with Qatar and US focused on improving livestock genetics, disease management and research to enhance compliance and market access in the Middle East, Southeast Asia and beyond. Private sector role Private sector engagement drives the strategy. Government partnerships with private companies aim to modernize processing and boost export potential through capital investment. Their focus on value-added halal products aligns with growing global demand for certified, sustainable food. Government-backed initiatives, including Samsons Group&rsquo;s Malam Jabba Valley project, combine mountain agriculture and livestock development to create rural income and enhance sustainability. Economic visionPakistan&rsquo;s livestock population grew from 143 million in 2006 to 251.3 million in 2024, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. Dr. Ikramul Haq, a leading Pakistani economist, says this growth presents a major opportunity for the country. &ldquo;Pakistan has huge potential in this sector, thanks to its rapidly growing livestock population. With one of the largest livestock populations in the world, this subsector is vital, accounting for more than 60% of the country&rsquo;s total agricultural economy,&rdquo; he said. He noted that boosting productivity, quality and compliance could drive significant growth in domestic and international markets. Pakistan aims to increase competitiveness in key markets. The United Arab Emirates accounted for 39% ($200 million) and Saudi Arabia 28% ($142 million) of meat exports in fiscal 2024, according to Pakistan Bureau of Statistics data. Expansion targets include Europe and Southeast Asia. The strategy positions Pakistan as a major player in the halal market, leveraging its large livestock population, established halal practices, strategic location between Middle Eastern and Asian markets, and a young workforce.

Pakistan is pursuing reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and international partnerships to expand its halal meat exports, though outdated facilities, disease control gaps, and logistics challenges continue to limit competitiveness.

Pakistan targets global halal market with reforms to boost meat exports

Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has reaffirmed its vision to position Information Technology (IT) as a key driver of economic growth, setting ambitious export and investment targets and pursuing partnerships with emerging digital markets worldwide. The Pakistan Mission to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in collaboration with the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), hosted a high-profile networking event titled &ldquo;Pakistan Night&rdquo; to promote Pakistan&rsquo;s digital potential and attract international investors. IT and Telecommunication Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, who served as the chief guest, reaffirmed the government&rsquo;s &ldquo;strong commitment to supporting the IT industry in key areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software development, and data processing.&rdquo;&nbsp; She highlighted the success of programs like Ignite, which have enabled Pakistani startups to connect with global opportunities. &ldquo;Pakistan&rsquo;s digital economy is expanding rapidly, and we are committed to building an ecosystem that fosters innovation and international collaboration,&rdquo; the minister said. Pakistan&rsquo;s Ambassador to the UAE Faisal Niaz Tirmizi said the government aims to increase IT exports from the current $4 billion to $100 billion, driven by innovation, foreign investment, and strategic partnerships. &ldquo;Pakistan has immense digital potential and a growing base of skilled professionals. By engaging with emerging IT markets, we can transform this potential into global competitiveness,&rdquo; Tirmizi said. The event brought together senior diplomats, Emirati officials, and representatives from the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, business councils, and GITEX Global 2025 exhibitors. Rana Ihsan Afzal Khan, coordinator to the prime minister on commerce, described Pakistan&rsquo;s IT sector as &ldquo;the fastest-growing industry in the country,&rdquo; noting an average annual growth rate of around 20%. According to official data, Pakistan&rsquo;s IT sector currently contributes nearly 1% to national GDP, employs over 120,000 professionals, and comprises more than 12,000 companies. The sector has doubled in size over the past four years, with IT exports reaching $1.53 billion in the first five months of the current fiscal year. A 33% increase from the previous year. The government&rsquo;s broader digital strategy includes the &ldquo;Uraan Pakistan&rdquo; initiative, targeting $10 billion in IT exports by 2029, and a $10 billion partnership with South Korea to develop technology parks across the country. &ldquo;These initiatives are not just policy goals, they represent a roadmap to Pakistan&rsquo;s digital future,&rdquo; Khawaja said, lauding the efforts of Pakistan&rsquo;s diplomatic missions and industry leaders in promoting innovation-led growth.

In Dubai, Islamabad showcases its growing IT potential at the “Pakistan Night” event, where officials outlined plans to boost exports to $100 billion through innovation, global partnerships, and major investments in technology infrastructure.

Pakistan eyes $100 billion in IT exports through global partnerships

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s remittance inflows surged by 27% to a historic $38.3 billion during the fiscal year 2024-25. The cost to handle these inflows through formal banking channels soared even faster, *Business Recorder* reported, citing official data.&nbsp;The country has witnessed a dramatic rise in remittances, which grew five times to $38.3 billion in 2025, up from $7.8 billion in 2009. Over the last 10 years, remittances have grown by 92%. In July 2025 alone, workers&rsquo; remittances rose 7.4% year-on-year, highlighting the continued reliance on overseas Pakistanis for foreign exchange earnings, which now exceed the country&rsquo;s export receipts.&nbsp;In FY24-25, remittances from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the UK, and EU countries contributed significantly to the rise, positioning Pakistan as the world&rsquo;s fifth-largest recipient and the second-largest in South Asia.&nbsp;One of the primary reasons for the significant increase, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), is the introduction of attractive incentive payouts to banks and money transfer operators, aimed at reversing the previous decline in remittance volumes.&nbsp;Additional contributing factors include the reinstatement of the Saudi Arabia remittance corridor and a significant 60% depreciation of the rupee against the Saudi riyal &mdash; the currency used to calculate government rebates.&nbsp;Even though remittances are up, the cost of handling this money through the government&rsquo;s system, Pakistan Remittance Initiative (PRI), has also gone up a lot, the SBP data shows. In 2025, the cost reached Rs 124.14 billion, compared to Rs 72.95 billion in 2024, marking a sharp increase of 70%.&nbsp;The sharp increase in handling costs has raised concerns within government circles, prompting the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) to rationalize incentives offered under the Transfer to Cash Incentive Scheme (TTCIS).&nbsp;To manage the fiscal burden, the ECC has approved changes to TTCIS, including a flat incentive rate of 20 Saudi riyals per transaction &mdash; down from a variable 20&ndash;30 riyals &mdash; and a higher minimum transaction size of USD 200, up from USD 100.&nbsp;Since its inception in 2009, the PRI has expanded its network to over 50 domestic financial institutions and around 400 international partners, facilitating a nearly fivefold increase in remittance inflows over the period.

Sharp rise in cost forces the Economic Coordination Committee to rationalize cash incentives offered to boost remittances

Articles tagged with "Pakistan exports"

Europe buys more from Pakistan as export trend strengthens

Pakistan has $60bn export potential, says World Bank

Pakistan targets global halal market with reforms to boost meat exports

Pakistan eyes $100 billion in IT exports through global partnerships

Pakistan’s inflow handling cost surges 70% amid record remittances