Farooq Awan

Pakistan has set an ambitious export target of over 30 billion US dollars for its textile and apparel sector by 2030, under a proposed long-term policy framework aimed at achieving sustainable and inclusive industrial growth. The projections are part of the draft Textile and Apparel Policy 2025–30, which outlines multiple export growth scenarios and strategies for their realization through enhanced competitiveness, diversification, and institutional reforms.

According to the draft policy available with Wealth Pakistan, the government has prepared detailed export projections based on consultations with industry stakeholders and analysis of the country’s past export performance. The document emphasizes value addition and efficiency improvements across the textile and apparel value chain as central to achieving the new export milestones.

The draft policy presents three export growth scenarios to guide planning and implementation. The first scenario is based on the compound annual growth rate of the last ten years, the second on the average growth rate of the three highest-performing years, and the third representing the average of both scenarios. The COVID-19 year has been excluded from the calculations to reflect normal market conditions.

Under the projection endorsed by stakeholders, Pakistan’s textile and apparel exports are expected to grow from 19.37 billion dollars in fiscal year 2025–26 to 30.08 billion dollars by fiscal year 2029–30. The most optimistic scenario, representing accelerated industrial growth and policy consistency, estimates total exports reaching 41.51 billion dollars by the end of the policy period.

The draft policy notes that achieving the proposed targets will require sustained efforts and strong coordination among federal and provincial institutions. It emphasizes long-term government commitment, policy stability, and consistent implementation of interventions as essential factors in maintaining momentum. The policy highlights that effective execution of proposed measures could help Pakistan consolidate its position among leading textile-exporting nations.

The document also notes that the National Economic Diversification Board has approved the projections, which are aligned with the export targets set under the government’s broader economic vision “Uraan Pakistan.” The policy underscores that its interventions must remain in force throughout the five-year period to ensure results and prevent disruptions to production and export growth.

The draft policy identifies several enabling factors for achieving the targets, including improvements in energy competitiveness, access to finance, rationalization of taxes, and expansion of product and market portfolios. It stresses that consistency in these measures will determine whether the textile sector can transition from low-value to high-value production and establish itself as a key player in global supply chains.

The document highlights that the policy’s export targets are not limited to quantitative growth but also aim to achieve qualitative transformation in Pakistan’s manufacturing capabilities. By focusing on value-added products, sustainability, compliance, and innovation, the government aims to align the sector with international standards and changing consumer preferences.

The policy projects that apparel exports will continue to dominate Pakistan’s textile trade structure. The share of apparel in total textile exports is expected to rise further due to the expansion of value-added manufacturing facilities and greater participation of small and medium enterprises in export markets. The policy recognizes the importance of building on this trend through targeted incentives and infrastructure development.

It further outlines that the success of the export program will depend on addressing structural issues that have historically constrained growth. These include high input costs, limited diversification, and gaps in logistics and quality infrastructure. The document calls for closer coordination between ministries, development agencies, and trade bodies to ensure that all policy interventions are implemented efficiently.

The draft policy concludes that with effective implementation, the textile and apparel industry can serve as the foundation for industrial revival and export-led growth in Pakistan. It stresses that the achievement of the 30 billion-dollar export goal will not only strengthen the external sector but also generate employment, improve income distribution, and enhance the country’s overall industrial resilience.

Credit: INP-WealthPk