The Pakistan Industrial and Traders Associations Front (PIAF) has welcomed the government's decision to review export promotion schemes and targeted incentives ahead of the upcoming federal budget, calling it a positive step toward strengthening Pakistan's export sector and improving economic competitiveness.
In a joint statement, PIAF Chairman Faheemur Rehman Saigol, who is also president of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, along with Senior Vice Chairman Nasrullah Mughal and Vice Chairman Tahir Manzoor Chaudhry, said the government's focus on export competitiveness, sector-specific incentives and SME participation reflects growing recognition of the importance of exports in stabilising and expanding the national economy.
The PIAF leadership stated that Pakistan urgently needs a long-term export-oriented economic strategy that supports industries, encourages investment and enables local businesses to compete effectively in international markets. 'Exports remain the backbone of economic stability and foreign exchange earnings. Any serious economic reform agenda must prioritise industrial growth, export expansion and business facilitation,' said Faheemur Rehman Saigol.
He appreciated the government's efforts to consult economic experts and stakeholders regarding export incentives and trade facilitation measures for the upcoming budget. However, he stressed that policy reforms must go beyond temporary incentives and address the structural problems that continue to affect Pakistan's industrial and export sectors.
According to the PIAF chairman, industries are currently struggling with high electricity and gas tariffs, rising taxation, expensive financing, inconsistent policies and delays in refunds and regulatory approvals. He said these factors have significantly reduced Pakistan's competitiveness compared to regional economies.
'Export growth cannot be achieved through isolated incentives alone. The government must reduce the cost of doing business, ensure stable economic policies and improve ease of doing business to create a competitive environment for exporters and manufacturers,' he remarked.
Faheemur Rehman Saigol said that Pakistan possesses enormous export potential in sectors including textiles, engineering goods, information technology, agriculture, dairy, pharmaceuticals and value-added manufacturing, but businesses require policy continuity and infrastructure support to fully utilise these opportunities.
The PIAF leadership welcomed discussions on performance-based export incentives and rebates linked to incremental export growth, stating that such measures can encourage productivity and motivate industries to explore new markets. However, the association emphasised that transparency, simplicity and consistency in incentive schemes are essential to ensure confidence among exporters and investors.
Senior Vice Chairman Nasrullah Mughal said the government should particularly focus on small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as they play a critical role in employment generation, industrial production and export diversification. 'SMEs are facing severe financial pressure due to inflation, higher utility costs and limited access to financing. Without targeted support for SMEs, export growth targets will remain difficult to achieve,' he said.
He urged the government to provide low-interest financing facilities, tax incentives and simplified regulatory procedures for SMEs to improve their participation in export activities.
Vice Chairman Tahir Manzoor Chaudhry stated that trade facilitation measures, improved logistics and modern infrastructure are equally important for strengthening Pakistan's export competitiveness. He said exporters continue to face challenges related to port operations, customs procedures, transportation costs and delays in shipment processing, all of which increase operational expenses and reduce efficiency.
'The government must modernise trade infrastructure, digitise customs systems and ensure faster clearance procedures to help exporters compete effectively in global markets,' he added.
The PIAF leaders also stressed the importance of policy coordination among economic ministries and institutions involved in trade, industry and finance. They said stronger coordination would help ensure consistency in export-related decisions and avoid policy contradictions that create uncertainty for businesses.
'Modern economies are driven by innovation and technology. Pakistan must support industries in adopting advanced manufacturing systems, digital technologies and modern export standards to compete internationally,' said Faheemur Rehman Saigol.
