Overview
- LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol called economic diplomacy essential to expand market access and diversify exports beyond textiles.
- Priority sectors highlighted for growth included agriculture, information technology, tourism and mining, with an emphasis on moving into new products and markets.
- Speakers reported the trade deficit at $9.37 billion with roughly a 34% year‑over‑year increase for the period cited, underscoring urgency for export gains.
- Portugal’s honorary consul cited a favorable EU trade balance and pressed to lift Pakistan’s EU export quota from about 6.4% to 12–15%.
- SAARC Chamber Vice President Mian Anjum Nisar warned that firms are relocating and urged improvements to the investment climate, noting opportunities in tourism and gains from agricultural technology and joint ventures.