ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s exports to European markets have risen to $3.8 billion, marking an 8.62% growth during the first five months of the ongoing fiscal year 2024-25.
This upward trend is largely attributed to the initiatives of the Special Investment Facilitation Council, with significant contributions from key sectors such as textiles, leather, garments, sports goods, and surgical instruments.
In October 2023, the European Parliament approved the extension of Pakistan’s GSP Plus status until 2027. The GSP Plus program grants developing countries preferential access to the European market, including duty exemptions on select goods.
Separately, Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja highlighted a 28% increase in Pakistan’s Information and Computer Technology (ICT) export remittances.
Speaking during the Question Hour in the National Assembly, she stated that ICT exports reached around $1.86 billion in the first six months of the current fiscal year. She credited the growth to enhancements in internet accessibility and speed across the country.
The minister acknowledged existing challenges faced by internet users and assured that efforts are ongoing to resolve them. She noted that WhatsApp and all VPN services are currently operational, and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has a 24/7 service center to address user complaints.
“My foremost responsibility is to safeguard and promote the IT sector,” she asserted.
