Trade with Russia to cross $1bn
Federal Minister for Energy (Power Division) Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari on Thursday said Pakistan and Russia had immense untapped potential in trade, energy, education and connectivity, stressing that stronger economic cooperation and improved transport linkages could help bilateral trade surpass the billion-dollar mark in the coming years.
Speaking at a webinar titled “Pakistan-Russia: Strengthening Trade, Education and Energy Collaboration,” jointly organised by the University of World Civilisations Moscow and the Institute of Regional Studies, the minister said Pakistan-Russia relations had gained positive momentum over the past two decades, driven by mutual trust, respect and a shared commitment to regional stability. He noted that the bilateral relationship had evolved independently and was no longer shaped by geopolitical considerations, adding that both countries attached great importance to the United Nations and the international law in promoting peace, security and cooperation.
World bank approves $375.9mn
The World Bank’s (WB) Board of Executive Directors has approved $375.9 million in financing for Pakistan’s Grid Stability Enhancement Project to strengthen the country’s national power transmission network under the Boosting Energy Security through Transmission in Pakistan (BEST-PAK) Multiphase Programmatic Approach (MPA).
According to a press release issued by WB, the project is the first phase of a 10-year programme to help Pakistan modernise its electricity transmission network, reduce power outages, and bring more clean energy to homes, businesses, and industries.
ADB cuts growth forecast to 3.7pc
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Thursday cut Pakistan’s economic growth forecast to 3.7 percent, the third lowest in South Asia, and raised its inflation forecast to 8.3 percent for the new fiscal year, the second highest in the region after Bangladesh.
The Asian Development Outlook report – the flagship biannual publication – has also listed Pakistan among countries that could face 10 percent permanent additional tariffs on exports to the United States. The Manila-based lender made the adjustments due to the broader impacts of the Middle East conflict. However, the nation’s comparison with other South Asian countries shows it is more affected than others, partly due to the government’s energy taxation policies.
The ADB report noted that Pakistan’s “economic growth forecast is revised down to 3.7 percent for FY2027 due to higher energy costs and pressure on remittances”.
IT sector exports could reach $15bn
Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Faheemur Rehman Saigol has stressed the need to increase exports and promote import substitution simultaneously to reduce the trade deficit and strengthen the economy, according to a statement on Thursday.
Speaking at a seminar on “Export Opportunities for Pakistan” organised by the LCCI, Saigol said Pakistan possesses immense potential, a resilient workforce and abundant opportunities for industrial growth. He emphasised that sustainable progress requires policy continuity, enhanced productivity and a strong focus on export-led growth.
Pakistan-Karachi: security concerns hit investor confidence
Deteriorating security in Karachi and persistent challenges in Pakistan’s western regions are weighing on investor confidence and business operations, according to the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (OICCI) Security Survey 2026 released on Tuesday.
The annual survey, conducted in June among leading foreign investors operating across the country, found that the top leadership of 71 percent of member companies ranked security among their top three business concerns, highlighting that law and order remains a major impediment to investment. Security perceptions in Karachi deteriorated, with 42 percent of respondents reporting a worsening environment, up from 41 percent in 2025. In Quetta, 81 percent reported deteriorating security, while 86 percent in the rest of Balochistan said the same.
Seafood exports jump to $568mn
Pakistan’s seafood exports jumped to a record $568 million in fiscal year 2025-26, registering an increase of 38 percent over two years. The rise in exports came amid government’s efforts to expand the country’s blue economy despite regional trade disruptions.
Data released by the Marine Fisheries Department revealed that exports of fish and fish preparations increased from $406 million in 2023-24 to $489 million in 2024-25, before reaching $568 million in 2025-26.
Ahsan invites investment from Pak-American businessmen
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday addressed a gathering of Pakistani-American business leaders in Chicago, comprising 20 entrepreneurs, technologists and financiers, of which more than a third were former Fortune 500 executives, and invited them to bring their capital, networks and expertise to Pakistan.
The minister stressed that Pakistan stood at a defining moment, where recent gains in national security, diplomacy and macroeconomic stability must be translated into sustained economic growth.
Pakistan-UK economic and financial cooperation
Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the UK Tipu Usman called on Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb to explore avenues for further strengthening Pakistan-UK economic and financial cooperation. The meeting reviewed opportunities to expand cooperation in trade, investment, banking, remittances, capital markets and financial services. Discussions also focused on strengthening engagement with international investors, while leveraging London’s position as a leading global financial centre to support Pakistan’s financing and capital market objectives.
Steps underway to promote businesses
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan has emphasised that small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) constitute the backbone of Pakistan’s economy and remain central to the strategy for sustainable economic development.