Pakistan planning to raise textile exports

Pakistan is taking various steps, including introduction of zero-rating regime for textile, leather, carpets, surgical goods and sports goods, to enhance exports, Muhammad Pervaiz Malik, Commerce and Textile Minister, informed. He said Pakistan has so far signed free trade agreements (FTAs) with China, Sri Lanka and Malaysia in August 2002, November 2006 and November 2007 respectively. /p>

During 2014-15, exports from Pakistan to Sri Lanka, China and Malaysia were worth $272.41 million, $2,126.854 million and $205.12 million respectively, while imports from these three countries were respectively valued at $337.52 million, $10,172.731 million and $1,155.48 million. In 2016-17, Pakistani exports to Sri Lanka, China and Malaysia were worth $263.36 million, $1,463.30 million and $136.76 million respectively whereas imports were valued respectively at $81.11 million, $14,133.92 million and $917.65 million, the senate was informed. /p>