Pakistani exporters seek better trade agreements to compete with India, Bangladesh amid rising costs, market access challenges

Pakistani exporters asked the government to pursue stronger bilateral trade arrangements, arguing that India and Bangladesh benefit from preferential access in some overseas markets. The request came at a consultation led by Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, where businesses also cited high energy and production costs, taxes, delayed refunds and shipping disruptions. They urged officials to identify markets where competitors have preferential terms and assess prospects for improved access for Pakistani goods.

Participants also discussed payment settlement flexibility, port facilitation and export financing, while meat and livestock representatives flagged disease controls and barriers to Gulf markets. The Export-Import Bank of Pakistan’s financing scheme drew approval from exporters, and FBR officials outlined steps on refund processing and digital invoicing. The Ministry of Commerce said it would compile sector-specific and wider concerns, seek responses from relevant departments and prepare recommendations for the prime minister; discussions were due to continue on October 21.