The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has urged the government to formulate a comprehensive National Export Strategy coupled with proactive trade diplomacy to enhance Pakistan's global competitiveness, diversify export destinations and strengthen value-added manufacturing.

Talking to a delegation of exporters on Saturday, ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood stated that Pakistan's export sector possesses immense untapped potential; however, structural bottlenecks, high production costs, inconsistent policies and limited market access continue to hamper sustainable growth.

He stressed that trade diplomacy must become a central pillar of Pakistan's economic policy. Pakistani embassies and commercial attaches, he said, should play a more dynamic role in identifying market opportunities, removing non-tariff barriers, facilitating B2B linkages and promoting Pakistani products abroad.

He urged the government to align foreign policy priorities with economic objectives to secure greater market access and preferential trade arrangements.

Mehmood noted that regional economies were aggressively pursuing export-led growth models, supported by competitive energy tariffs, export rebates, innovation incentives and strong diplomatic engagement. "Pakistan must adopt a similar strategic approach to safeguard and expand its global trade footprint."

He further emphasised that Pakistan should actively explore non-traditional and emerging markets in Africa, Asean, Central Asia and the Middle East while consolidating its presence in traditional markets. Trade exhibitions, single-country exhibitions and business delegations must be organised in coordination with chambers of commerce to maximise outreach.

The ICCI president maintained that a stable and predictable policy environment was critical to restoring investor confidence and enabling long-term industrial planning. Frequent policy shifts, he observed, undermine export competitiveness and discourage investment.

He reaffirmed that the Islamabad Chamber stands ready to work closely with the government, diplomatic missions and trade bodies to help design and implement a realistic and growth-oriented export strategy.