Commerce Minister Chairs Trade Review Committee Meeting

Islamabad, August 01, 2025

Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, chaired a high-level meeting of the Trade Review Committee today to assess Pakistan’s trade performance during the Financial Year 2024–25. The meeting brought together senior officials of the Ministry to review sector-wise progress and chart forward strategies amid persistent global trade challenges.

Despite facing continued global headwinds including tariff tensions, slowdowns in major markets, intensifying price competition, and geopolitical uncertainties, Pakistan’s export sector displayed resilience. Total exports rose to US$ 31.75 billion, up from US$ 30.76 billion in FY 2023–24 — a notable gain driven primarily by robust performance in value-added and emerging sectors.

Among the leading contributors to this growth were:

  • Textile and Apparel Sector:
  • Knitted garments surged by 15%
  • Woven garments up 16%
  • Home textiles recorded a 9% increase
  • Non-Traditional and Value-Added Exports:
  • Tobacco and cigarettes saw a remarkable 135% increase
  • Plastic products grew by 17%
  • Cement exports rose by 25%
  • Pharmaceuticals and ICT-related services also continued to gain traction

    Minister Jam Kamal Khan praised the performance of these sectors, especially the growth seen in diversified and non-traditional exports, which are critical to Pakistan’s long-term trade sustainability.

    On the import side, a 24% increase in capital goods was observed — a sign of reviving industrial activity and rising consumer confidence in the economy.

    Key Directives by the Minister

    During the meeting, the Commerce Minister issued several strategic directives to sustain and accelerate export growth:

  • Country-specific export plans to be developed, with a strong focus on emerging and non-traditional markets.
  • Establishment of a Trade Alert System to provide real-time responses to global trade disruptions, including SPS/TBT concerns and trade remedy actions.
  • Revitalization of Sectoral Export Councils to ensure effective private sector consultation and evidence-based policymaking.
  • Adoption of Artificial Intelligence and data analytics for smarter trade intelligence, product-market alignment, and strategic global marketing.
  • A comprehensive national strategy for services exports, focusing on ICT, freelancing, and creative industries, to be developed as a priority.

    Minister’s Statement

    Speaking at the conclusion of the meeting, Minister Jam Kamal Khan stated: “Our export growth, especially in value-added and non-traditional sectors, reflects the resilience and adaptability of Pakistan’s trade ecosystem. The government remains fully committed to supporting the business community, expanding market access, and ensuring Pakistan leverages every bilateral and multilateral framework available. Trade is central to our economic transformation and job creation strategy, and the Ministry will continue to facilitate, innovate, and deliver.”

    The meeting concluded with a strong reaffirmation that the Ministry of Commerce is committed to building a resilient, diversified, and competitive export base, aligned with national development goals.