PM orders export revival plan on agri-slowdown

Stakeholders flag taxes, land conversion risks in meeting with food minister

ISLAMABAD:

Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, held an interactive meeting with agricultural exporters and key stakeholders at the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) to address exporters' concerns and develop a strategy to improve Pakistan's agricultural exports.

According to an official statement issued on Wednesday, the meeting was convened on the instructions of the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to examine the reasons behind the recent decline in exports, particularly in the agriculture sector. The session was led by FPCCI Vice President Tariq Jadon, while Acting President FPCCI Saqib Riaz welcomed the federal minister.

Addressing the meeting, the food minister said Pakistan has achieved progress in economic and political diplomacy, including regional engagement with India, which he said had been acknowledged internationally. However, he said exports remain limited to about $30–32 billion, underscoring the need for a shift toward an export-driven economic model. Hussain said exports form the backbone of the economy, while remittances are supportive and cannot ensure sustainable growth. He said strengthening farmers and domestic industry is central to improving export performance.

The minister said quality production and competitive pricing are essential to expand market share. The acting FPCCI president said exports can expand with limited reliance on imports, but cited high taxes, complex policies and the conversion of agricultural land into housing schemes as challenges.