Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has tasked the authorities concerned to take the country’s annual exports to $60 billion within three years.

While presiding over a meeting of the National Export Development Board on Tuesday, the prime minister asked the commerce ministry and other relevant departments to take measures to achieve the given target.

He said the country’s exports crossed the $30 billion mark during the previous fiscal year and the government’s policies also took the IT exports to over $3.2 billion.

The prime minister asked the ministry to resolve the issues pointed out by the exporters and present a report within two weeks. He said that he would personally chair the National Export Development Board meeting every one-and-half months.

He called for collective efforts for the country’s development and paid tribute to the business community and investors for their role in increasing exports despite “tough circumstances.”

PM Shehbaz asked the commerce ministry to finalise the policy proposals, in coordination with representatives of the potential export sectors. He also tasked the national food security ministry to improve extension services, in coordination with provinces, to enhance agricultural exports.

He called for exporting quality seeds and agricultural products after further processing and taking measures to introduce crop varieties with high yields.

The delivery time of Pakistani goods to Europe and America should be reduced by solving the problems related to the shipping of exports immediately, he added. Similarly, the premier stated that the commerce ministry and the Board of Investment should ensure cooperation regarding the transfer of Chinese export industries to Pakistan.

He also called for carrying out research and development, innovation and brand development to increase the export of Pakistani goods.

The prime minister warned against any delay by the Federal Board of Revenue in refunds to the exporters, besides emphasising the trade officers in Pakistan’s missions abroad to promote Pakistan’s exports and guide the exporters.

Also, read this

Pakistan finalizes protocols to export donkey skins and meat to China

US, China, UAE top destinations for Pakistani exports during July-May

Tears without onions for Pakistanis as India extends export ban

The prime minister tasked the power ministry to present a comprehensive plan to provide low-cost electricity to the industries.

While highlighting the private sector’s role in national development, he called for the sector’s inclusion in the policymaking process.

Officials said that the country’s exports crossed the $30 billion mark this year and a five-year plan to double the exports was also presented in the meeting.