Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has said Pakistan can build a strong global identity by turning “Made in Pakistan” into a recognised international brand.

He said boosting exports was essential for economic stability and urged greater focus on producing goods and services that could compete in international markets.

Iqbal was speaking at a meeting reviewing the first year of progress on the 2025-2029 action plan agreed between Pakistan and China during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to China in August 2025.

He said cooperation with China was helping Pakistan develop its IT sector and improve the skills of its young population. According to the minister, young people are a key national resource and must be trained in modern, marketable skills.

The two countries are also working together in agriculture. Iqbal said 1,000 Pakistani students had travelled to China for agricultural training, while Pakistan was receiving Chinese support for research and modernisation in the sector.

On climate change, he said Pakistan was among the countries facing severe climate-related challenges and was working with China on Green Pakistan projects.

Iqbal also highlighted the Uraan Pakistan programme, saying it was contributing positively to the economy. He reiterated that increasing exports would remain crucial for Pakistan’s economic growth and stability.