While this is positive news, we all know in our hearts that we are underperforming and are way below what we should be exporting.
We need to actively encourage the development of more industries and diversify in Pakistan.
We need to improve our packaging methods and better promote our products to stay competitive and increase the value of our products
Pakistan needs to invest more in its education and infrastructure which have been proven to directly correlate to better and higher exports on a national basis.
We need to encourage the import of industrial machinery(example: fine polishing of marble and other gems/stones ) and other materials to help us develop specialized industries and expand on our export base.
We need to explore new horizons and expand our trade networks, we need to keep an open mind and think like true businessmen and trade explorers by tapping newer markets and deepening our relations with pre-existing trade markets. News of Pakistani export successes in Africa are very re-assuring. We should also be actively involved in South and Central America where I think a lot of potential exists.
As Pakistani people, both inside the country and outside (Middle East, Dubai, Europe, East Asia, North America etc..) we need to Actively purchase Pakistani products and encourage stores to carry products from Pakistan. This is an important component that I must emphasize to all Pakistani's
This is a collective effort on the part of the Government, workers in the various fields, producers, export promotion bureau and most important of all, the Pakistani people and Pakistani consumer.
Starting out as a nation with barely no infrastructure, no industry to speak of (maybe a mill or two in shabby condition) and a lack of a mercantile community(Muslims in this part of South Asia were traditionally not involved in this trade and as such had to learn it from scratch) we have come a long way. And we should be proud of our achievements, but as Pakistani's we know that we have lots more work to do as we are reaching for the stars.
We have just scratched the surface and need to be performing alot better which in due time, we will. Lets keep the ball rolling and expand!