Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has unveiled a wide-ranging exporters incentives package to honor award-winning exporters and leading taxpayers for their role in strengthening Pakistan’s economy. The initiative places exporters at the center of national economic strategy, recognizing them as key contributors and representatives of Pakistan in global markets.

Under the new policy, recipients of tax excellence and export awards will be issued Blue Passports valid for two years. These official passports, usually reserved for senior government officials, offer fast-track immigration facilities and easier international travel, a move aimed at supporting exporters’ global business engagements.

In another symbolic step, the government has granted award-winning exporters the honorary status of Ambassador-at-Large for two years. This designation allows them to represent Pakistan’s economic and trade interests abroad, reinforcing their role as economic envoys and national ambassadors.

To reduce operational costs, the government has also announced major financial relief measures. The markup rate under the Export Refinance Scheme has been cut sharply from 7.5 percent to 4.5 percent, easing access to affordable credit. Industrial electricity tariffs have been reduced by Rs 4.04 per unit to improve competitiveness in international markets.

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Additionally, wheeling charges for industries selling electricity to nearby consumers have been lowered by Rs 9 per kilowatt-hour, providing further cost savings for exporters and manufacturers.

Officials say the exporters incentives package is designed to encourage global expansion, increase export volumes, and reward high-performing businesses as national heroes contributing to economic stability and long-term growth.