Pakistan’s exports to Europe have climbed to $3.8 billion, marking an 8.62% increase in the first five months of the current fiscal year 2024-25.
The export figures result from the Special Investment Facilitation Council’s initiatives across vital sectors, including textiles, leather, garments, sports equipment, and surgical tools.
The rise follows the European Parliament’s decision in October 2023 to extend Pakistan’s GSP Plus status until 2027, allowing preferential market access and duty exemptions for certain goods from developing countries.
Additionally, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication, reported a significant 28% increase in Pakistan’s Information and Computer Technology (ICT) services export remittances, which reached approximately $1.86 billion during the first half of the fiscal year.
During a National Assembly session, Minister Khawaja attributed this surge to improved internet usage and speeds across Pakistan. Although she acknowledged ongoing challenges with internet services, she reassured that efforts to resolve these issues are ongoing, and services like WhatsApp and all VPNs are currently operational.
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Minister Khawaja also highlighted the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) commitment to customer service, noting that its 24/7 service centre actively registers complaints and dispatches technicians promptly to address them.