Islamabad (HRNW)- The Ministry of Commerce has informed the Senate Standing Committee on Commerce that high energy and import costs are making Pakistani products expensive and less competitive in international markets.
During a committee meeting chaired by Senator Javed Hanif, the Chairman of the Trading Corporation of Pakistan briefed members on the Export Development Fund. Officials noted that Pakistan is importing cotton while India is exporting it, highlighting challenges facing the country’s export sector.
The meeting also discussed export opportunities, including seafood and the shipment of donkeys from Pakistan. Commerce Minister Jam Kamal said donkey meat is being exported from Gwadar, while officials noted that hundreds of donkeys are reportedly being sent to Gwadar each month.
The minister said Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry has made progress in Ethiopia and that talks are continuing to expand trade opportunities. Negotiations with China to revise the Free Trade Agreement are also ongoing.
The committee also considered amendments to the Trade Organizations Bill 2026, including a proposal to limit trade chambers to districts. Members discussed the proposal to establish a single Karachi Chamber instead of separate chambers for different districts of Karachi.
The Commerce Secretary said Pakistan recorded $30.8 billion in exports during the last fiscal year, but exports declined compared with 2024-25. Bilateral trade with neighboring countries also decreased, while rice exports fell by around $1 billion.
Officials said India provided $5.1 billion in subsidies to farmers last year, while Pakistan benefits from tax and duty exemptions in the United States, Europe and the United Kingdom. Despite these advantages, Pakistan’s high production costs continue to hinder the competitiveness of its exports in global markets.
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