Trade problems mainly caused by narrow manufacturing base, reliance on low-value processed products

Govt must improve economic management to avoid high inflation, low growth

It is not wise to leave exchange rate completely at mercy of market forces

Country’s current GCI position is the second lowest in South Asia

Tariff, non-tariff barriers constitute serious obstacle to Pakistan’s market access

Replacement of labour with capital in urban sub-sector leads to this situation

Data shows current account, trade deficits soar in last year of outgoing govts

However, inflexible expenditures leave scant room for such allocation

Due to US sanctions trade was conducted through alternative payment mechanisms of limited scope