High-value agri-exports can unlock billions of dollars

According to The Express Tribune, the government has gathered agriculture stakeholders to shape a roadmap for boosting Pakistan's exports of premium farm goods. The discussions focus on processing, certification, traceability, branding and entry into foreign markets. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal chaired the third session of the Strategic Dialogue Series on Friday, with Prime Minister's commerce coordinator Rana Ihsaan Afzal and about 100 participants in attendance.

Iqbal urged a move away from raw commodity shipments toward certified, processed and branded products, arguing this could unlock billions of dollars in extra export potential. He noted that agriculture contributes nearly a quarter of GDP and employs around 37% of the workforce, yet its export share stays low. Afzal said farm products make up nearly 22% of exports but remain concentrated in raw goods, exposing the sector to global price swings.

Food exports stood at $5.02 billion in FY2026 against a $9.15 billion food import bill, with lower rice and sugar shipments behind the decline. The government plans to lift the Exim Bank export finance pool from Rs1 trillion to Rs2 trillion over 2026 to 2028, while the National Compliance Authority is expected to become operational within three months. Food exports rose 2.5% in July 2026, led by 19% growth in rice and 16% in meat.