Musadaq Zulqarnain, Chief Executive Officer of Interloop Limited, one of Pakistan’s largest exporters, has unveiled a detailed short- and long-term strategy to enhance the country’s export performance, emphasizing both immediate gains and sustainable industrial growth. Speaking through a social media post, Zulqarnain identified the apparel and value-added garments segment as the most promising driver for near-term export growth, while also highlighting the need for structural reforms, improvements in the energy sector, and investment in workforce skills to secure long-term competitiveness.
“In the near term, apparel and value-added garments offer the most immediate pathway to scale exports,” Zulqarnain stated, noting that Pakistan already possesses the industrial base, operational expertise, and market connections to capitalize on this sector. He stressed that removing policy irritants and establishing a level playing field could unlock significant export potential quickly, providing tangible benefits for the economy.
Despite the focus on short-term growth, Zulqarnain cautioned against neglecting long-term capacity building. He urged the government and industry stakeholders to invest in skill development programs aimed at preparing Pakistan’s youth with future-ready competencies, ensuring that the demographic dividend translates into sustainable economic outcomes over the coming decade.
Structural challenges, particularly in the energy sector, were identified as major constraints on industrial growth. Zulqarnain argued that a competitive, reliable, and predictable energy framework is essential to encourage sustained domestic and foreign investment. “Equally important is sending a clear and consistent signal that manufacturing is a national priority—encouraging both domestic and foreign investors to commit long-term capital into value-adding industries,” he explained.
The Interloop CEO underscored that without addressing fundamental bottlenecks and ensuring consistent policy support, the country’s potential for export-led growth will remain limited. By focusing on both immediate opportunities in the apparel segment and long-term structural reforms, Pakistan can build a more diversified and resilient industrial base capable of driving sustained export expansion.
Zulqarnain also highlighted the importance of diversifying into other manufacturing domains, linking investment in human capital to broader economic objectives. He emphasized that equipping the workforce with the right skills will be critical for meeting future industrial demands and competing effectively in global markets.
His roadmap calls for a coordinated approach involving policy reform, infrastructure improvements, and human capital development to strengthen Pakistan’s export ecosystem. By combining short-term strategies for quick impact with long-term planning for capacity building, Zulqarnain envisions a competitive and globally integrated manufacturing sector that drives sustained economic growth, generates employment, and positions Pakistan as a reliable exporter in the international market.
This strategic outlook from Interloop’s leadership highlights a clear pathway for Pakistan to enhance its export performance, boost investor confidence, and ensure that industrial expansion is inclusive, sustainable, and aligned with global market demands.
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