Dar seeks removal of trade barriers, greater market access to boost Pakistan’s exports

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar has instructed ministries and economic bodies to prepare workable plans for wider overseas market access, a more diverse export base and higher foreign investment, according to Profit by Pakistan Today. He chaired a high-level meeting on Saturday that reviewed steps to widen Pakistan's trade and investment ties with partner countries. The push is framed as a way to deepen economic cooperation with those nations.

Discussions centred on removing procedural hurdles that slow cross-border commerce and investment flows. Participants looked at improving market entry for Pakistani products, and officials raised administrative bottlenecks that could restrict dealings with international partners. Dar stressed that tighter institutional coordination was needed to turn economic diplomacy into concrete trade and investment results, placing emphasis on implementation over policy recommendations alone.

Attendees included the Federal Minister for Petroleum, the SAPM on Foreign Affairs, SAPM Tariq Bajwa, the Foreign Secretary, the Secretary Commerce and the SBP Deputy Governor. Officials from further ministries and divisions were present as well. Dar asked the authorities to draft actionable proposals and follow up on identified opportunities in a timely manner.