Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stressed the need for export-led growth to drive economic progress.

Virtually addressing a ceremony at Pakistan Stock Exchange in Karachi, he highlighted the role of the private sector in boosting the production as well as exports of goods and services. He mentioned tax relief worth billions of rupees provided to exporters, manufacturers and industries in the budget for the current financial year. He said the impact of incentives provided to the construction industry is now becoming evident.

The Prime Minister appreciated the economic team, provincial governments and relevant departments for their collective efforts to steer the country out of economic difficulties and achieve macroeconomic stability.

Alluding to his recent meetings in New York and London with prominent bankers, the Prime Minister said they also acknowledge the seriousness Pakistan demonstrated to implement long overdue reforms. He said they are seeing a conducive environment in Pakistan.

The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction that State Bank of Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves have touched 21.4 billion dollars with an additional 5.5 billion dollars held by commercial banks. He also noted an increase in remittances and IT exports, as well as the strong performance of Roshan Digital Accounts.

Expressing satisfaction over the performance of capital market, the Prime Minister emphasized for bringing further improvement in it, emphasizing that necessary steps in this regard must be taken.

Shehbaz Sharif expressed confidence that Pakistan would emerge as a strong economy on the global stage, emphasizing the need for sustained and tireless efforts to achieve this goal.