Pakistan targets $100bn in exports to secure economic independence

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Ahsan Iqbal calls for export-led economy to end recurring balance-of-payments crises

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said on Wednesday that Pakistan must increase exports to achieve economic independence and end recurring balance-of-payments crises.

Addressing the 39th international economics conference held at the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) stalwart said that Pakistan must adopt an export-led economic model to escape repeated balance-of-payments crises permanently.

He stressed the need to increase exports under the Uraan Pakistan initiative and link the country with global supply networks.

The planning minister has called for practical measures to raise Pakistan’s exports to $100 billion and improve the country’s ability to compete in international markets.

Meanwhile, PIDE Vice-Chancellor Dr Nadeem Javaid said that weaknesses in the domestic economic system were a major reason for the Pakistan’s low exports. He said an effective strategy and improvements in production standards were essential to achieving the $100 billion target.

Chinese expert Yuan Jianmin highlighted the potential for increasing agricultural exports under the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC 2.0). He proposed setting up a green channel to transport fresh produce through the Khunjerab route and expanding the use of Chinese currency in cross-border payments.

According to the conference organisers, 24 papers were selected from 204 research abstracts submitted for the two-day event. 31 PhD scholars are also presenting their research posters.

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Pakistan’s economic growth projected at 3.6% in fiscal year 2026, 3.5% in 2027