Pakistan’s economy is known for its volatile ‘boom-and-bust’ framework. When it experiences bouts of growth and stability, trade and industrialisation imbalances force it two steps backwards, trapping it in a cycle that relies on imports to sustain Pakistan in an increasingly polarising and unpredictable global context. In this episode, Usman Khan and Hamid Yaqoob Sheikh talk about trade solutions ranging from tariff reforms, non-tariffs and locally-based solutions, export-oriented growth, and diversification of the textile industry. They discuss how Pakistan’s industrialisation should be supported by Governmental bodies and relevant stakeholders to ensure its long-term economic security and success.
Usman Khan started his professional career in banking and investment consulting in London, UK. He advised large institutional clients on financial matters including financial strategy, asset allocation, manager selection and corporate governance. He headed the Development Policy Research Centre (DPRC) at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) for two years, where he was also a Lecturer. He is currently the Investment lead for the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office’s (FCDO) Revenue Mobilisation, Investment, and Trade (REMIT) programme.
Hamid Yaqoob Sheikh is currently heading the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) funded programme, Revenue Mobilisation, Investment, and Trade (REMIT), which aims to enhance government’s revenues and improve investment climate. He served the Government of Punjab as Secretary Finance. Previously, he has served as Secretary Livestock Punjab, Special Secretary Finance Department, Punjab, Chief Economist, Planning & Development Department, Punjab. Mr. Sheikh also led the Department of International Development (DFID) funded policy and governance programme titled Sub National Governance Program (SNG).