Govt Targets Processed, Branded Farm Exports With Rs2tr Financing.
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✧ GENERATE BRIEFING
The federal government has unveiled a comprehensive strategic framework to expand agricultural exports from raw commodities toward high-value, processed, branded, and certified goods. Spearheaded by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal during the third session of the Strategic Dialogue Series on "Unlocking Pakistan’s High-Value Export Potential," the plan centers on doubling the Export-Import Bank of Pakistan’s (EXIM Bank) export financing pool from Rs1 trillion to Rs2 trillion over the 2026–28 period. To ensure efficient capital deployment, a dedicated financing window for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is being formulated alongside the Finance Ministry and the State Bank of Pakistan, backed by strict monthly monitoring of credit access.Additionally, the government announced the establishment of a National Compliance Authority within three months to help local exporters meet rigorous international sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards. This regulatory overhaul supports high-potential sub-sectors—including halal meat and poultry, premium horticulture, branded Basmati rice, processed foods, and dates—with the halal meat sector specifically targeted to reach $700 million in exports by 2028.
The federal government has announced a plan to double the Export-Import Bank of Pakistan’s (EXIM Bank) export finance pool from Rs1 trillion to Rs2 trillion during 2026–28, as part of a broader strategy to shift agricultural exports from raw commodities toward processed, branded and certified products.
The decision was discussed during the third session of the Strategic Dialogue Series on “Unlocking Pakistan’s High-Value Export Potential”, chaired by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal. The government also plans to establish a National Compliance Authority within three months to help exporters meet international standards and gain access to premium markets.
A dedicated financing window for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is also being developed in coordination with the Finance Ministry and State Bank of Pakistan. The EXIM financing facility will be monitored monthly to assess exporters’ access to credit.
The push comes as Pakistan’s agricultural exports remain heavily concentrated in raw commodities. Food exports reached $5.02 billion in FY2026, compared with a $9.15 billion food import bill. However, meat, fish and fruit exports recorded growth, while rice and sugar exports declined. Food exports then rose 2.5% in July 2026, with rice exports up 19% and meat exports 16%.
The government is targeting sectors including halal meat and poultry, premium horticulture, branded Basmati rice, processed foods, dates, edible oils and certified organic products. The halal meat sector has been linked to a government target of $700 million in exports by 2028.
Agriculture contributes nearly one-fourth of Pakistan’s GDP and employs around 37% of the labour force, but its export contribution remains relatively low. Officials said modern food processing, packaging, cold-chain infrastructure and internationally recognised certification are essential for improving competitiveness.
The government will also review export and regulatory policies, gradually phase down additional customs and regulatory duties under the National Tariff Policy, and use the Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company as a platform for agricultural exporters.
The broader objective is to support Pakistan’s $60 billion export target and eventually take exports beyond $100 billion by 2035, with agriculture expected to play a larger role under the Uraan Pakistan programme.
Agriculture
Agriculture
Agriculture