PM Shehbaz directs making exports foundation of economic gro

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directs making exports the foundation of economic growth, calling for wider sector participation, global-standard products, value addition, new markets, FTAs, innovation and easier export procedures to boost Pakistan's competitiveness. Premier Shehbaz directs expansion of export base beyond traditional sectors Calls for global-standard quality, stronger value addition and competitiveness Orders removal of hurdles to make export process faster, easier, transparent Seeks new markets, FTAs, innovation and greater participation of industries ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed that increasing exports be made the foundation of the country's economic growth, with more sectors, alongside traditional export industries, prepared to enter international markets. 'Effective measures should be taken to bring the quality of Pakistani products in line with international standards, strengthen quality assurance systems and ensure full compliance with international standards and regulations,' Premier Shehbaz emphasized while chairing a review meeting on improving the country's exports and accelerating the pace of economic growth. The prime minister stressed the need to involve the maximum number of sectors and industries in export activities to diversify the country's trade, said a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیر صدارت ملکی برآمدات بڑھانے اور معاشی ترقی کی رفتار تیز کرنے کے حوالے سے جائزہ اجلاس آج اسلام آباد میں منعقد ہوا. اجلاس سے گفتگو کرتے ہوئے وزیرِ اعظم نے کہا کہ برآمدات میں اضافے کو ملکی معاشی ترقی کی بنیاد بنایا جائے اور روایتی شعبوں کے ساتھ ساتھ… pic.twitter.com/Ykz5pjiH4o — Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) September 15, 2026 Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Rana Tanveer Hussain, Jam Kamal Khan, Dr Musadik Masood Malik, Ahad Khan Cheema and Muhammad Aurangzeb, Prime Minister's Adviser Haroon Akhtar, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani and senior officers of relevant institutions attended the meeting, the statement said. PM Shehbaz emphasized giving special attention to value addition in exports to enhance both the value and competitiveness of Pakistani products in global markets. He directed the promotion of modern technology, research and innovation in export-oriented industries. He said full advantage should be taken of digitalization and modern technology to bring the national economy in line with contemporary requirements. The prime minister directed that administrative and business hurdles faced by exporters be removed and the export process made easier, faster and more transparent. The meeting was briefed on progress in implementing the strategic roadmap approved for the promotion of exports. Various proposals concerning access to new international markets, diversification of export sectors, improvement in product quality and ease of doing business were also reviewed. The meeting held a detailed discussion on enhancing the global competitiveness of the country's export sectors. It was informed that steps were being taken to conclude free trade agreements and preferential trade arrangements with several friendly countries to enhance access for Pakistani products to international markets. The meeting was also informed that measures were being taken to include Pakistani horticultural products in the country's exports. It was further briefed that participation of Pakistani exporters in tenders and procurement processes of international hospitals was being encouraged to increase exports of Pakistani surgical and medical equipment. The meeting was informed that exhibitions, including TEXPO, Health Engineering and Minerals Show, Food and Agriculture (FoodAg) exhibitions and other sector-specific events, were being organized in different cities of the country to introduce Pakistani products to global companies. It was further informed that work was underway to align intellectual property laws with contemporary requirements to promote innovation in exports. The meeting was also informed that the process of restructuring the Export Development Fund (EDF) had been completed and the EDF was taking measures to facilitate the business community. PM reiterates resolve to continue work for KP's development In a related development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reiterated the federal government's resolve to continue working for the development of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the welfare of its people. He was talking to Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi, who called on him at the Prime Minister House, said the PM's Office in another statement. وزیراعظم شہبازشریف سےگورنرخیبر پختونخوا فیصل کریم کنڈی کی آج اسلام آباد میں ملاقات ہوئی. ملاقات کے دوران صوبے کے مجموعی سیاسی حالات، امن و امان، اور باہمی دلچسپی کے امور پر تفصیلی تبادلہء خیال کیا گیا۔ وزیرِ اعظم نے اس بات کا اعادہ کیا کہ وفاقی حکومت خیبر پختونخوا کی ترقی اور… pic.twitter.com/3bTzSrDMyk — Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) September 15, 2026 During the meeting, they discussed matters relating to law and order and the overall political situation in the country. The meeting stressed the need to further promote harmony between the provincial and federal governments and address public issues in the province. Federal Minister for Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Affairs Engineer Ameer Muqam and Prime Minister's Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah were also present. PM directs utilising all-out resources for relief of people in rain-hit areas Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to use all available resources to provide relief to people in rain-hit areas and maintain effective liaison with relevant provincial departments and Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs). وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف سے چیئرمین نیشنل ڈیزاسٹر مینجمنٹ اتھارٹی (NDMA) لیفٹیننٹ جنرل انعام حیدر ملک کی ملاقات ہوئی. لیفٹیننٹ جنرل انعام حیدر ملک نے وزیراعظم کو حالیہ مون سون سیزن میں شدید بارشوں اور ممکنہ سیلابی صورتحال سے نبرد آزما ہونے کے لئے پیشگی انتظامات پر بریف کیا.… pic.twitter.com/WMQ5yJViBV — Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) September 15, 2026 The prime minister, in a meeting with NDMA Chairman Lt. General Inam Haider Malik, who called on him here, instructed relevant departments to enhance coordination to ensure the smooth flow of traffic on link roads and bridges, as well as the timely supply of relief goods during the rains, according to a separate statement issued by the PMO. During the meeting, the NDMA chairman briefed the prime minister on the expected pattern of the ongoing monsoon season and overall preparedness to cope with heavy rains and potential flood situations through mutual cooperation between provinces and institutions. He told the prime minister that, in line with his directives, proactive measures had been taken by relevant departments to monitor the monsoon season more effectively, the statement said. He assured that all relevant departments across the country were fully prepared for rescue and relief operations to cope with any emergency weather conditions.