Adeel Hassan 
The Uraan Pakistan initiative has been launched with an ambitious plan targeting Pakistan $60 billion exports in the next four years and eventually reaching $100 billion in ten years . This export-driven strategy is said to be the only way for Pakistan to break free from the IMF bailouts that have been overshadowing its economy for many decades. Despite having undergone almost 25 IMF programs since 1950, policymakers maintain that the only way for Pakistan to achieve sustainable growth is through boosting its exports to $60 billion. The revolution will be based on the reformation of the country’s taxation, trade facilitation, energy, and diplomacy, as well as the diversification of sectors, along with a push for the exporters to move up the value chain.
Uraan Pakistan and the export-led strategy
Uraan Pakistan has an “export emergency” at its core, which is aimed at speeding up Pakistan’s $60 billion exports. Some of the measures taken are a PM’s Export Dashboard, a 30-day tax refund guarantee, and converting embassies into trade missions. Authorities think that these actions can help release liquidity and provide access to the market, which is very important for attaining $60 billion in Pakistan’s exports.
Nevertheless, there are still obstacles in the way. High energy prices, lack of coordination, and IMF-imposed changes could hamper the process. Analysts caution that energy tariff drop and privatization movement are needed in order not to make the $60 billion exports of Pakistan a dream forever. In contrast, the sectors of IT services and value-added textiles are flourishing and their growth can contribute to Pakistan’s $60 billion exports if the reforms get properly executed. Click here to know more.
