Islamabad, Pakistan (Agencies): Pakistan’s exports to the seven regional countries increased by 4.09 per cent in the first four months of the current fiscal year (2024-25) compared to the corresponding period last year, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
The country’s exports to regional neighbors, including Afghanistan, China, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, and the Maldives, amounted to $1506.131 million, representing 14.33 per cent of Pakistan’s overall exports of $10.507 billion during July-October 2024-25.
China remains the top destination for Pakistan’s exports, despite a 14.58 per cent decrease from $952.385 million last year to $813.441 million this year. However, exports to Afghanistan surged to $291.773 million from $182.616 million, marking a significant increase.
Exports to Bangladesh also saw a substantial rise, increasing by 28.60 per cent to $247.313 million from $192.311 million. Exports to Sri Lanka rose by 29.22 per cent to $148.937 million from $115.256. Conversely, exports to Nepal decreased to $0.742 million from $1.138 million, while exports to the Maldives increased by 47.71 per cent to $1.746 million from $1.182 million.
In terms of imports, Pakistan’s intake from the seven regional countries totaled $5226.807 million during the reviewed period, up 35.58 per cent from $3855.115 million last year. Imports from China increased by 36.36 per cent to $5096.881 million from $3737.618 million. Imports from India rose to $76.280 million from $73.575 million, and imports from Afghanistan increased dramatically by 277.97 per cent, from $1.898 million to $7.174 million.
However, imports from Sri Lanka decreased by 3.37 per cent from $21.224 million to $20.507 million, while imports from Bangladesh rose to $25.202 million from $20.633 million last year. Imports from Nepal were recorded at $0.763 million, compared to $0.042 million last year.
This increase in regional exports and imports highlights Pakistan’s ongoing trade activities and economic engagements with its neighboring countries.