Pakistan Export Updates

[ghazi52]

Pakistan’s exports to Afghanistan up by 15pc in 10MFY21:


Sumaira Jajja
May 11, 2021

KARACHI: Commerce Adviser Razak Dawood on Monday said Pakistan’s exports to Afghanistan during July-April 2021 have grown by 15 per cent to $869 million from $754 million a year ago.

“MOC [Ministry of Commerce] is glad to share that Pakistan’s exports to Afghanistan during Jul-Apr 2021 have grown by 15% to USD 869 million as compared to USD 754 million during Jul-Apr 2020.

The exports of Fruits, Vegetables, Meat, Dairy products, Chemicals, Electrical equipment, Machinery, Paper & Paperboard have contributed to this increase. We continue to encourage legal, secure, transparent, consistent & reliable trade with Afghanistan. Exporters are urged to aggressively market their exports to Afghanistan. We also commend the efforts of MOC’s Trade & Investment Counsellor & urge him to provide even greater facilitation to our exporters,” Mr Dawood said in a series of posts on social media platform Twitter.


His comments came the day Pakistan’s army chief, Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, went to Kabul and met top officials including Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.

In an interview to Bloomberg the same day, Mr Dawood said the country was seeking more trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia countries including Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

As the country aims to expands its trade footprint — from less than a billion dollars in the last ten years to some $1.5bn a year, a new trade pact with Kabul is expected in June.

 

[ghazi52]

Pakistan’s exports to US cross $ 4 bn mark

• The advisor said that this is a substantial increase of USD 918 million and credit goes to Pakistani exporters for making this possible under difficult global conditions.

Ali Ahmed
11 May 2021

Pakistan’s exports to the United States exceeded the $4 billion mark during July-April 2021, showing a growth of an impressive 29 percent.

The development was shared by Advisor to Prime Minister on Trade and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood on social media on Tuesday.

“The United States continues to be an important market for us. We are happy to share that our exports to the US during Jul-Apr 2021 have increased by 29pc to USD 4,092 million as compared to USD 3,173 million in Jul-Apr 2020,” said Dawood.

The advisor said that this is a substantial increase of USD 918 million and credit goes to Pakistani exporters for making this possible under difficult global conditions.

“I appreciate the efforts made by MOC’s Trade & Investment Officers @PakUSTrade @PaktradeNYC @PakTIAHouston and urge them to provide maximum facilitation to our exporters & Investors,” he said.

Despite the global uncertainty, Pakistan's exports have witnessed strong growth earlier, Dawood shared that Pakistan’s exports to Australia increased by 29% to USD 229 million during Jul-April 2021, as compared to USD 177 million in Jul-April 2020.

“This is the highest 10-months export to Australia ever,” he said. “I encourage exporters to aggressively export to this relatively untapped market,” added Dawood.

 

[ghazi52]

IT industry achieves 43.61% Growth.

Information Technology and Telecommunication Industry has achieved 43.61 per cent growth rate compared to the corresponding period, July-March, 2019-20, during which IT exports remittances inflow totaled $1.052 million.

According to the report, Information and Communication Technology ((ICT) Pakistan’s ICT export remittances, including telecommunication, computer and information services have surged to $1.512 billion during July-March, 2020-21 thus maintaining the track record of delivering consecutive exports remittances inflow growth.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), an entity of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has launched a comprehensive project aimed at enhancing the quality and capability of IT professionals in Pakistan.

 

[ghazi52]

PSEB projects Pakistan’s IT exports to cross $5 Billion.

With a vision to achieve $5 billion by 2023, Pakistan’s export remittances from information technology and IT enabled services (ITeS) surged 38.16 percent as compared to last year.

This was the highest growth rate achieved by the IT sector since 2018, when growth rate for the corresponding period was just 13 percent, the statement added.

Lauding the latest exports performance of the industry, Minister for IT and Telecommunication Syed Amin Ul Haque said the initiative for bringing the IT companies from secondary and tertiary cities into mainstream was well underway for ensuring holistic growth.

He said that the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) registration fee for IT and ITeS companies, including call centres and IT start-ups belonging to underserved areas of the country, have been completely waived to boost growth of the IT industry across Pakistan.

Haque has set a target of $5 billion for export remittances through information technology and ITeS during the next three years.

 

[ghazi52]

According to the statistics compiled by the Bureau of Statistics of Pakistan ( PBS ) , Pakistan 's textile and textile exports recorded a strong increase of percent in April since the last year .

 

[ghazi52]

Exports have reached $21B in 10 months of FY2020-21 as per both PBS & SBP
Highest ever annual exports as per SBP = $25.37 Billion

In last 6 months Exports were above $2B each month at avg of $2.25 Billion

At this rate we can reach $25.5B this year which will be highest ever.

 

[ghazi52]

The mango export target for the current season has been set at 150,000 tons that would lead to a generation of US$ 127.5 million revenue for the country, sources reported.

According to the All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association (APFVEA), the last year saw a generation of US$120 million from the export of the fruit.

 

[ghazi52]

Pak mango to enter in Chinese market from June 10

The Frontier Post

BEIJING (APP): Pakistani mangoes will hit markets in China from June 10, this year, when first consignment of King of fruits will be transported from Lahore to Kumning, capital city of South-Western Yannan province.

“We are picking Sindhri variety from the farms in Tando Allahyar, Sindh province and after processing and packaging in Lahore, we will airlift first consignment to Kunming on June 10, Adnan Hafeez, Director, Imperial Ventures (Pvt) Ltd told APP on Sunday.

He informed that most Chinese people favor mangoes imported from South Asian countries because of their plump and taste.

“This year, we are offering the product to our end clients directly under business to customer strategy and even if they want to buy one box, we will deliver to their homes”, he added.

He informed that his company will efficiently utilize the air cargo services and express delivery services to supply mangoes to the customers in a very smooth and timely manner, he added.

Adnan Hafeez said that this year, Pakistani mangoes will be available in 4.5 kg and 2.5 kg packings respectively and in the next phases we will also import Chaunsa from Pakistan.

He said that his company is also planning to organize promotional activities in collaboration with the embassy of Pakistan and its consulates to introduce Pakistani mangoes in China.

Pakistani mangoes are of very high quality and Chinese consumers have an emotional attachment to Pakistani products because of the Pak-China friendship

According to a Chinese analyst, Pakistani mangoes are expected to enter the Chinese market on a large scale this summer. Last year, Pakistan held mango tasting event in Shanghai and the feedback from the Chinese consumers was very positive.

Pakistan is the third largest mango exporter in the world, and mango is known as the King of Fruits in Pakistan. The soil and climate conditions in Pakistan are particularly suitable for the growth of high-quality mangoes, which can be supplied for five to sic months every year.

Mango is also the main export fruit of Pakistan. In 2018, Pakistan’s mango production reached 1.9 million tons, ranking sixth in the world.

 

[ghazi52]

Pakistan’s exports to Afghanistan increase 2.35pc in 10 months

• The overall exports to Afghanistan were recorded at $828.727 million during July-April (2020-21) against exports of $809.685 million during July-April (2019-20).

APP
31 May 2021

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s exports of goods and services to Afghanistan witnessed an increase of 2.35 percent during the first ten months of financial year (2020-21) as compared to the corresponding period of last year, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported.

The overall exports to Afghanistan were recorded at $828.727 million during July-April (2020-21) against exports of $809.685 million during July-April (2019-20), showing growth of 2.35 percent, the SBP data revealed.

Meanwhile, on year-to-year basis, the exports to Afghanistan during April 2021 also increased by 326.76 percent, from $19.308 million against the exports of $82.399 million.

On month-on-month basis, the exports to Afghanistan however declined by 26.26 percent during April 2021 as compared to the exports of $116.541 million in March 2021, the SBP data revealed.

Overall Pakistan’s exports to other countries witnessed growth of 6.54 percent in ten months, from $19.703 billion to $20.992 billion, the SBP data showed.

On the other hand, the imports from Afghanistan during the period under review were recorded at $147.403 million against $115.747 million last year, showing growth of 27.34 During July-April of this year.

Meanwhile, on year-to-year basis, the imports from Afghanistan during April 2021 rose by 376.31 percent, from $4.188 million last year to $19.948 million.

On month-on-month basis, the import from Afghanistan also increased by 270.71 percent during April 2021 when compared to the import of $5.381 million in March 2021, the SBP data revealed.

The overall imports into the country increased by 13.48 percent, from $37.280 billion to $42.308 billion, according to the data.

 

[ghazi52]

‘Pharmaceutical sector can help Pakistan with its export target’

• It is a low-hanging fruit that can aid the economy achieve sustainable growth, says PBC vice-chairman

Ali Ahmed
02 Jun 2021

Karachi: As the government seeks to find a way to achieve long-term sustainable growth, the pharmaceutical industry has said that it is a low- hanging fruit that can help Pakistan both in terms of exports and industrial progress.

These remarks were given by Muhammad Aurangzeb, vice-chairman of the Pakistan Business Council (PBC), during a webinar held on Wednesday for the launch of the report titled, ‘Unleashing the Potential of Pharmaceuticals in Pakistan’.

The report said exports of the pharmaceutical sector could hit $5 billion in just a few years as Pakistan emphasizes public healthcare.

“In 2020, the value of the pharmaceutical sector of Pakistan was estimated to be around $3.2 billion, doubling from $1.64 billion in 2011,” stated the report. “Its total exports in 2019 stood at $218 million, up from $44.4 million in 2003. Yet exports from the sector accounted for only 0.9 per cent of Pakistan’s total exports to the world in 2019.”

Expressing his views, panellist Dr Ijaz Nabi, chairperson of the Consortium for Development Policy Research (CDPR) and member of the PM’s Economic Advisory Council, said that the pharmaceutical industry has the potential to change Pakistan's image.

He said that much like how the IT industry changed the image of India, and the garments industry changed the image Bangladesh, similar could be the case with the pharmaceutical sector for Pakistan.

“The timing is absolutely right to focus on the pharmaceutical sector,” said Nabi as the government has been able to attain economic stability during its tenure.

The report was of the view that with global pharmaceutical markets in a flux due to major restructuring, there is an opportunity for Pakistan to enter the global off-patent drugs market that will be worth $700 billion in branded generics and $381 billion in generics by 2025.

It said that Pakistan, with a local market of 215 million consumers and more than 700 pharmaceutical companies, is poised well to gain from opportunities provided under these shuffling global patterns of supply and demand.
The PBC report said that Pakistan should acquire vaccine manufacturing capabilities as a first step.
“In phase I, which can begin immediately, local firms having validated biologic production facilities, or that are willing to invest in the required standards will use imported bulk vaccine concentrate to fill-and-finish vaccines into individual doses. The government will provide long-term purchase/buy-back agreements for these locally produced vaccines, under a public private partnership model,” said the report.

However, Pakistan needs to improve its education standard if it is looking to move forward in the pharmaceutical sector, which is a science and technology industry, said Khaild Mehmood, managing director & CEO Getz Pharma, one of the largest exporters of pharmaceuticals in Pakistan.

“The curriculum of pharmaceutical and chemistry in Pakistan is very old and unfortunately, no government has really looked at it,” he said.

On the other hand, Asif Jooma, chief executive at ICI Pakistan Ltd & former CEO of Abbott Pakistan Ltd, called for an overhaul of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), a view he shared with the PBC report.

“The regulatory environment in Pakistan is unfortunately regressive which actually compromises on patient interest,” said Jooma. He said multiple stakeholders need to sit together and develop a policy that caters to industry growth as well as patient interest.

The report, in its recommendations, said that a sectoral growth strategy and corresponding action plan is urgently needed.

 

[ghazi52]

Japan approves Pakistan’s Mango facility for exports.

According to the tweet of Abdul Razak Dawood, the Advisor to Prime Minister of Pakistan for Commerce and Investment, “After Australia, now the Japan has also allowed one mango export facility of Pakistan, Roomi Foods Vapour heat treatment plant, has been approved by Japanese Authorities for export of Mangoes from Pakistan.”

The Advisor to Prime Minister has also tweeted that he is glad to share this news with all Pakistanis, whereas he added another tweet stating, “This is the only facility equipped to process mangoes as per Japanese government quarantine requirements.”

This is perhaps a great benefit to mango exports of the country. Moreover, Abdul Razzaq has congratulated them for this and commended the facilitation provided by Department of Plant Protection of Pakistan and Trade Counsel Tokyo Japan.

 

[ghazi52]

13 sectors’ exports post double-digit growth

Mubarak Zeb Khan
June 5, 2021

Growth in exports of value-added sectors contributed to an increase in overall exports from the sectors.


ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s exports of 13 sectors including value-added textiles posted double-digit growth in the 11 months of current fiscal year (11MFY21) compared to the same period a year ago, data compiled by the Ministry of Commerce showed on Friday.

Growth in exports of value-added sectors contributed to an increase in overall exports from the sectors. One of the reasons for growth in these sectors is due to low-base of last year when export-oriented industries remained closed due to the Covid-19 lockdown and cancellation of orders from international buyers.

Exports of home textile products were up by 27pc to $3.642bn in 11MFY21 against $2.879bn over the last year, followed by a 16pc increase in men’s garments to $3.505bn against $3.019bn last year. An increase of 33pc in women garments to $646.49m was noted against $486.52m over the corresponding months of last year.

Similarly, in the vale-added leather sector, exports of leather apparel posed a growth of 11pc to $584.02m in 11MFY21 against $528.02m over the corresponding months of last year, followed by an increase of 57pc in exports of jerseys, pullovers and cardigans to $530.14m against $337.39m in the same period in FY20.

Export proceeds of copper and articles thereof posted growth of 44pc to $463.17m between July to May 2021 against $321.95m over the last year, followed by 14pc in t-shirts to$453.4m against $398.79m last year, 15pc in made-up articles of textile materials to $432.47m against $377.24m of last year and 38pc in pantyhose, stockings, socks to $417.41m against $302.67m over the last year.

Pakistan is one of the main suppliers of global surgical instruments. However, these instruments are re-marketed from western countries with famous brands. As a result, the export value of these products remain very less.

The export of surgical instruments posted a growth of 17pc to $398.88m in 11MFY21 against $341.51m over the last year, followed by 23pc in gloves to $285.13m against $232.44m over the last year.

The export of pharmaceutical products posted growth of 27pc to $240.04m against $188.47m last year and worn clothing by 33pc to $228.47m against $171.18m over the last year.


Published in Dawn, June 5th, 2021

 

[ghazi52]

 

[ghazi52]

KARACHI:
Similar to the textile sector, Covid-19 proved to be a blessing in disguise for Pakistan’s technology exports as well given that IT exports soared 58% during March 2021 against the corresponding period of last year.

Information technology (IT) exports touched $213 million last month, stated a report from Arif Habib Limited.

Moreover, technology products worth $1.512 billion were exported during the first nine months of fiscal year 2020-21, contributing 35% to the overall services exports and reporting a 44% year-on-year jump, revealed the data.

“The government should focus on technology sector as it has massive potential for exports,” said Arif Habib Limited Head of Research Tahir Abbas in comments to The Express Tribune.

Insight Securities analyst Muhammad Ahmed attributed the increase in exports to Covid induced surge in freelancing activities.

Read: Turkey keen to expand ties in IT sector

According to him, fair value of rupee against the US dollar was a huge factor driving the surge in exports alongside divergence of inflows through legal channels following suspensions of flights over the globe.

The efforts of the government to document the IT sector by offering tax credit of around 80% of export revenue helped raise technology exports, he said.

Systems Limited, one of the largest IT services and products exporters listed on Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), recently posted all-time high yearly revenue of Rs10 billion and reported a profit of Rs2.1 billion.

“The firm surpassed our estimates for revenue by 2% and for profit by 8% which is mainly attributable to better receivables management,” said Ahmed.

Systems Limited sustained growth momentum by posting 22% revenue growth in dollar terms in calendar year 2020, he said.

The newly added European region contributes 8% to company’s revenue that jumped by 74% in a year.

 

[ghazi52]

USA, UK, China top three destinations of Pakistani exports in 10 months

• Total exports to the USA during July-April (2020-21) were recorded at US $ 4019.722 million against the exports of US $ 3368.090 million during July-April (2019-20).

APP 06 Jun 2021

ISLAMABAD: United States of America (USA) remained the top export destinations of the Pakistani products during the first ten months of financial year (2020-21), followed by United Kingdom (UK) and China.

Total exports to the USA during July-April (2020-21) were recorded at US $ 4019.722 million against the exports of US $ 3368.090 million during July-April (2019-20), showing growth of 19.34 percent, according to State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

This was followed by UK, wherein Pakistan exported goods worth US $ 1691.314 million against the exports of US $ 1386.999 million last year, showing an increase of 21.94 percent.

China was the at third top export destination, where Pakistan exported goods worth US $ 1640.629 million during the months under review against the exports of US $1411.004 million during last year, showing growth of 16.27 percent, SBP data revealed.

Among other countries, Pakistani exports to Germany stood at US $ 1245.122 million against US $1116.232 million during last year, showing increase of 11.54 percent while the exports to UAE were recorded at US $ 1215.939 million against US $ 1377.287 million last year, the data revealed.

During July-April (2020-21), the exports to Holland were recorded at US $922.819 million against US $850.421 million whereas the exports to Afghanistan stood at US $ 828.727 million against US $809.685 million.

Pakistan’s exports to Italy were recorded at $629.917 million against the exports of US $ 642.617 million while the exports to Spain were recorded at US $ 668.773 million against US $751.606 million last year.

The exports to Bangladesh stood at US $497.396 million against US $ 599.658 million.

Similarly, the exports to France during the months under review were recorded at US $ 361.699 million against US $ 358.620 million while the exports to Saudi Arabia stood at US $ 401.643 million against US $ 388.610 million.

Pakistan’s exports to Turkey were recorded at US $218.069 million during the current year compared to US $240.196 million last year whereas the exports to Canada stood at US $253.928 million against US $ 231.242 million, to Poland US $ 247.839 million against US $ 218.654 million whereas the exports to Australia stood at US $ 216.939 million during the current year against US $ 170.321 million during last year.

Overall Pakistan’s exports to other countries witnessed growth of 6.54 percent in ten months, from $19.703 billion to $20.992 billion, the SBP data showed.