Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has urged Pakistan’s exporters to adapt their business models to changing global economic conditions by placing greater emphasis on innovation, productivity, technology adoption and value addition. He stressed that maintaining competitiveness in international markets requires businesses to modernise their operations and respond to evolving trade requirements. The government remains committed to promoting export-led economic growth and improving the business environment for the private sector, while expanding access to financing, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Aurangzeb said broader access to financial resources would enable more businesses to participate in export value chains and strengthen the contribution of different industrial segments to the country’s exports. He made these remarks during a meeting with a delegation of the Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA), led by Chairman Rehan Naseem Bharara, where participants discussed textile sector performance, export competitiveness and challenges affecting the overall business environment.
The meeting covered several issues faced by exporters, including rising energy costs, access to finance and the need for measures that facilitate business activity. These factors remain important considerations for Pakistan’s export-oriented industries as they compete with international manufacturers and seek to maintain their presence in overseas markets. Aurangzeb highlighted the importance of creating an enabling environment in which businesses can improve productivity, invest in modern technologies and increase the value addition of their products. He also emphasised that continued engagement between the government and industry was necessary to identify challenges affecting exporters and develop practical responses. According to the finance minister, closer cooperation between public authorities and private businesses could support industrial modernisation, strengthen competitiveness and help expand Pakistan’s participation in international trade.
Senator Aurangzeb further said that collaboration with industry representatives would remain important for advancing the government’s export-led growth objectives. He stressed that improving access to financing, particularly for smaller businesses, could help widen participation in export activities and allow more companies to become part of established supply chains. The discussion also highlighted the importance of productivity improvements and technology adoption in strengthening the textile industry’s ability to compete in international markets. PTEA representatives shared their views on developments in the global trade environment and outlined the need for continued government facilitation, a supportive business climate and better financing opportunities. They emphasised that coordination between government institutions and industry stakeholders would be important for helping exporters respond to emerging market opportunities and address operational constraints.
The delegation included representatives from the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI), including its president, along with Khurram Mukhtar, former PTEA chairman and group leader, Arif Ihsan Malik, Zia Alamdar, Chairman of the Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PHMA), and Sohail Afzal, Chairman of the Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA). Their participation brought together representatives from different segments of the textile and garment manufacturing industry to discuss issues affecting export performance and business operations. Federal Secretary Commerce, along with senior officials from the Finance Division and Tax Policy Office, also attended the meeting, providing government representation in discussions concerning export facilitation, financing and the wider business environment.
The discussions reflect the importance of addressing industrial costs, financing constraints and productivity challenges as Pakistan seeks to strengthen its export competitiveness. For the textile sector, access to affordable financing, reliable business conditions, technology investment and greater value addition remain key considerations in competing with international producers. The finance minister’s emphasis on innovation and modernisation also points to the need for exporters to move beyond traditional business practices and align production and commercial strategies with changing global requirements. Continued coordination between the government and industry associations is expected to remain an important part of efforts to identify barriers affecting exporters, support SMEs and expand Pakistan’s presence in international markets.
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