Former President of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry Iftikhar Ali Malik on Sunday said that Pakistan could significantly enhance its export potential by strengthening regional economic integration and expanding trade ties with neighbouring Asian countries.
Proactive trade policies vital for long-term industrial growth: SAARC leader
LAHORE, Aug 16 (APP): Former President of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry Iftikhar Ali Malik on Sunday said that Pakistan could significantly enhance its export potential by strengthening regional economic integration and expanding trade ties with neighbouring Asian countries.
In a statement, he noted that nearby markets offer vast and accessible destinations for Pakistan’s manufactured goods, agricultural produce, pharmaceuticals, and services. He emphasized the importance of capitalizing on the country’s strategic geographical location to better integrate with regional supply chains.
Iftikhar Malik stated that regional trade should be viewed as a vital driver of industrial development and export-led growth. He added that deeper economic cooperation with neighbouring nations would assist Pakistan in diversifying its export markets and earning valuable foreign exchange.
He urged policymakers to prioritize expanding market access, removing trade barriers, improving cross-border connectivity, and strengthening the export capacity of competitive sectors.
Highlighting the importance of regional engagement, he remarked that Pakistan possesses immense opportunities to broaden its export base. While noting that China remains Pakistan’s largest regional trading partner, he stressed that greater efforts are required to tap into the full export potential of other Asian markets.
