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Geneva: Pakistan should diversify its exports from heavy dependence on textiles and undertake structural reforms to boost productivity, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) said.
The WTO noted in a trade policy review that textiles and clothing accounted for two thirds of exports, but the sector was facing stronger competition in major markets.
State involvement in engineering and key services persists despite a privatisation programme, it said.
"Further trade and investment liberalisation, including resisting protectionist pressures, along with other structural reforms, should help productivity, thereby improving the international competitiveness of Pakistan's businesses," it said.
Commerce Minister Shahzada Alam Monnoo said Pakistan aimed to diversify exports away from textiles, for instance selling cement. Pakistan also sees potential to add value to its textile sector by producing and selling more garments and bed linen rather than cloth.
A report by Pakistan to the WTO said it would continue to pursue trade liberalisation so that it could benefit from any deal in the Doha round.
Pakistan hopes to benefit from a cut in rich-country agriculture subsidies, which would makes exports such as sugar, ethanol and cotton more competitive.
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