PIDE holds moot: Speakers for export-oriented approach to trade accords

Speakers at a Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) roundtable on Friday urged the government to reshape trade agreements around export growth, Business Recorder reported. They said imports from regional trade agreement partners have expanded much faster than exports since 2000, leaving roughly 20 cents of exports for every dollar of imports.

The report presented at the event recommends export-focused negotiations, choosing partners based on demand, improving access for sanitary and phytosanitary products, and reviewing results through Ministry of Commerce performance indicators. Speakers also called for simpler customs processes and better implementation. They noted that the Turkiye agreement covers about 2 percent of Pakistan’s trade, while Phase II of the China, Pakistan FTA added 313 tariff lines, many for products Pakistan does not export.