Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday underscored that achieving export-led growth targets remains a top priority of the government, directing authorities to prepare a comprehensive roadmap to enhance exports, particularly agricultural exports, and reduce the trade deficit, his office said.

Chairing a review meeting on the promotion of national exports, the prime minister stressed the need to increase rice exports and instructed officials to formulate a strategy in coordination with the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP).

He also called for accelerating institutional reforms aimed at facilitating exporters.

The prime minister made it clear that no negligence would be tolerated in the timely payment of tax refunds to exporters, terming it essential for sustaining export growth.

During the meeting, officials briefed the prime minister on the government’s export promotion strategy and presented trade statistics for the period from July to December 2025.

The briefing highlighted efforts to boost exports in high-value sectors, including engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and processed food.

The meeting was also informed that work is underway to integrate Pakistan’s exports into global value chains, while improvements are being made in ports and logistics systems to facilitate exporters.

In addition, officials said negotiations were ongoing with several countries on government-to-government agreements related to rice exports.

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, Governor State Bank of Pakistan Jameel Ahmad, and senior government officials attended the meeting.