USD100bn export target ‘absolutely achievable’: Sindh CM

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has backed the Karachi business community's ambition to lift the country's exports from roughly USD30 billion to $100 billion, Business Recorder reported. Speaking as chief guest at a ceremony marking the 79th Independence Day, organised by the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry, he called the goal reachable if the country tapped Sindh's energy potential and cut the expense of running businesses. He said the next battle was on the economic front following gains in defence and diplomacy.

The chief minister said Sindh could become the country's energy hub, citing Thar coal deposits along with solar, wind and domestic gas prospects. Cheaper power from local resources, he argued, could lower production costs and help exporters compete abroad. He urged the business community to press the federal government for policies that make doing business and powering factories cheaper, calling these essential for exports and investment.

Zubair Motiwala, chairman of the Businessmen Group (BMG), also proposed a government cost study against rivals including India, Bangladesh and Cambodia, plus farm modernisation to lift productivity. The transporters' strike was described as almost resolved, with the provincial Transport Department told to settle the few remaining issues quickly. The KCCI also sought further support for Gul Plaza traders still waiting to rebuild their premises.