Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on 25 October 2026 stressed the need to further strengthen the role of export-based industries in ensuring robust economic growth and long-term financial stability in Pakistan. The prime minister held a high-level meeting with Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry leadership in Lahore, where the discussion focused on promoting trade, addressing industrial challenges, and facilitating the business community.

What was discussed

During the meeting with LCCI President Ali Hussam Asghar, the prime minister discussed the national economy, trade promotion, and the resolution of industrial hurdles. A dedicated committee has been established to review LCCI proposals and create an actionable implementation plan, according to the Commerce News report. A separate Associated Press of Pakistan report on the 24 October meeting with the LCCI Founders Group says the delegation apprised the prime minister of the issues faced by the business community and shared its proposals, and that the delegation appreciated the government's economic policies and investor-friendly initiatives.

The prime minister said the government is actively working with the private sector to foster a business-friendly climate, and emphasised that mutual cooperation between the state and the business community is essential to create employment opportunities. Federal ministers for law and justice, information and broadcasting, and petroleum were also present at the Founders Group meeting, according to the APP report.

The wider export argument

The meeting fits a longer government argument: that growth must be export-led rather than import-driven, so Pakistan does not fall back into balance-of-payments crises. Earlier meetings with business leaders have stressed expanding the export base, improving product quality, and giving special impetus to technology, agriculture, textiles and information technology, including digital services. The test of the Lahore meeting will be whether the committee's implementation plan turns LCCI proposals into dated actions, rather than another round of discussion about the same industrial hurdles.