Page 7 - CMA Journal (Sep-Oct 2025)

EXCLUSIVE
Exclusive Interview

INTERVIEW

“
The National Tariff Policy 2025–30 is a promising

move that could really change the way our industries
operate. The policy projects export growth of 10 to

14 percent, which is ambitious but achievable

if we manage to lower input costs and

simplify the tariff structure as intended “

Dr. Gohar Ejaz, HI, SI

Former Federal Minister for
Commerce and Industries and
Chairman, Economic Policy &
Business Development Think Tank

IC I ICMA: Dr. Gohar, you have expressed concern over
C
a
Pakistan’s rising trade deficit. What, in your view,
Pa
P
r
are the key reasons behind this growing gap?
ar a
r
Dr
Dr. Gohar Ejaz: Pakistan’s trade figures over the
D
p
a
past few years highlight a persistent and widening
pa
imbalance. In FY23, imports reached around USD
i im
m
2
52
5
52.8 billion while exports were USD 28.3 billion,
creating a deficit of USD 25 billion. The following
e
cr c r e
ye y
e
year, the deficit remained significant at USD 23
i
bi b
billion, and in FY25 it widened further to nearly USD
27
27 billion as imports rose to USD 58.7 billion against
2 7
exports of USD 31.4 billion.
ex e
x
h
Th
T
This trend reflects deep structural challenges.
In I
Industries continue to rely heavily on imported raw
n
d
d
materials due to limited domestic production, which
m m
infl
fl
inflates the import bill and constrains competitiveness.
n
i
T
Th
h
The high cost of doing business, driven by taxation,
energy tariffs, and logistical inefficiencies, further
e
en
n
undermines industrial performance.
n
un
u

ICMA’s Chartered Management Accountant, Sep-Oct 2025 5