Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research, Mr. Rana Tanveer Hussain, held a high-level interactive meeting with agricultural exporters and key stakeholders at the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) to address exporters’ concerns and develop a practical strategy for enhancing Pakistan’s agricultural exports. The meeting was convened on the special instructions of the Prime Minister of Pakistan to analyze the causes behind the recent dip in exports, particularly in the agriculture sector. The session was led by FPCCI Vice President Mr. Tariq Jadon, while Acting President FPCCI Mr. Saqib Riaz welcomed the Federal Minister. Exporters and stakeholders from across the country, including representatives from agriculture, livestock, meat, rice, fruits, and vegetables sectors, participated in person and online.
Addressing the meeting, the Federal Minister stated that Pakistan has achieved notable success in economic and political diplomacy, including progress in regional engagement with India, which has been acknowledged internationally. However, he emphasized that despite these diplomatic achievements, Pakistan’s exports remain limited to approximately USD 30–32 billion, underscoring the need for a fundamental shift toward an export-driven economic model.
Mr. Rana Tanveer Hussain stressed that exports form the real backbone of the national economy, while remittances are only a supportive source and cannot ensure sustainable growth. He shared his vision of building a strong export-oriented economy by protecting and empowering local farmers and domestic industries, rather than increasing reliance on imports.
He emphasized that quality production and competitive pricing are essential to secure and expand Pakistan’s share in global markets.
Highlighting sectoral potential, the Federal Minister noted that meat, livestock, and rice offer significant opportunities to boost exports. He stated that Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and other Gulf countries are ready to import Pakistani fresh meat and rice, while Tajikistan alone has expressed demand for nearly 100,000 tonnes of meat. He emphasized that Pakistan must align its production, processing, and regulatory systems with international standards to fully capitalize on these opportunities. Referring to regional experiences, he observed that Iran successfully strengthened its local industry despite sanctions, demonstrating the importance of policy consistency and domestic capacity building.
Acting President FPCCI Mr. Saqib Riaz highlighted that exports remain the only sector with the potential to expand without heavy dependence on imported inputs, but cautioned that high tax rates, complex policies and attitudes of the FBR, and the rapid conversion of agricultural land into housing schemes are creating serious challenges for exporters. He stressed that agricultural land must be safeguarded, and where conversion is unavoidable, it should be limited to agriculture-based industries.
FPCCI Vice President Mr. Tariq Jadon stated that Free Trade Agreements have not delivered balanced benefits with all partner countries and should be reviewed in line with national export interests. He also highlighted the substantial losses suffered by exporters due to the closure of the Afghanistan border, which disrupted regional trade flows.
Representatives of the Fruit and Vegetable Association raised concerns regarding reservation and market access issues of potatoes and kinnow, emphasizing the need for facilitation, improved logistics, and supportive policies to enhance exports of these key horticultural products.
Responding to the issues raised, Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain assured exporters of the government’s full support and directed FPCCI and stakeholders to prepare a consolidated list of challenges and recommendations. He announced that a follow-up meeting would be held shortly to ensure effective resolution and implementation. The Minister reaffirmed his commitment to resolving exporters’ issues within a short timeframe and aligning national policies to transform Pakistan into a competitive, export-oriented economy driven by agriculture, livestock, and value-added production.
