ISLAMABAD: The country's exports have posted a growth of 5.5 percent to $ 14.245 billion during the first seven months (July-January) 2020-21 from $ 13.507 billion during the corresponding period last year.

Prime Minister’s Advisor on Commerce and Investment, in a tweet has stated that Pakistan's exports have maintained growth and for the first time in 8 years exports have crossed $ 2 billion mark in four consecutive months.

He further stated that exports for January 2021 were up by 8% to $ 2.14 billion as compared to $ 1.98 billion in the corresponding month of 2020.

"Our cumulative exports for seven months of FY 2020-21 are showing a rising trend. Our exports have achieved this feat despite difficulties created by Covid pandemic, regional export situation and contraction in major markets. Exporters, please go full speed ahead in exporting your products and in case of any hurdle inform Commerce Ministry," Dawood added,

Commerce Ministry, however, has not shared figures of imports in January 2021 and also seven months of current fiscal year, which indicates that imports, both in January and seven months (July-Jan) 2020-21 have also posted substantial growth due to which balance of trade has deteriorated. No official was available for comments.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2021