ISLAMABAD: The ministry of commerce has identified 15 commodities whose export declined in the past few years.

An official source told Dawn that no specific measures were taken in the past few years to contain the declining trend as focus of the commerce ministry remained on export of established major textile and clothing products.

The only decision that was taken recently was the constitution of a committee, headed by Federal Minister of Development and Planning, Ahsan Iqbal. The committee would report in a period of one month to the Economic Coordination Committee of the cabinet about measures to boost exports.

Sources said that the committee has now asked the commerce ministry to prepare report on their behalf.

The terms of the reference of the committee are to suggest concrete recommendations for quantum increase in exports of the country.

The chairman, BoI secretaries commerce, planning, finance and chairman, FBR would be its members.

The committee would submit its recommendations to ECC in a month.

The committee will focus on non-conventional items and identify new markets for increase in exports.

In the past also, many such reports were produced, but these were not based on in-depth research.

As per statistics, export of tobacco witnessed a decline of 13.4pc in 2012-13, wheat 50pc, fish products 0.7pc and leguminous vegetables 79.8pc.

Besides, export of rice witnessed a decline in the past few years, especially basmati rice.

Pakistan’s major share was grabbed by India in international market.

However, Islamabad is silent on all such developments. In textile group, export of art, silk and synthetic textile witnessed a negative growth despite depreciation of rupee. Similarly, cotton carded also witnessed a negative growth of 46pc in 2013-14.

Similar is the case with export of cotton because of shortage or stagnation in its local production.

Petroleum group exports also witnessed a negative growth of 96pc in 2012-13 over last year.

This is basically because of no export of petroleum products, petroleum top naphta.

Sports goods export are facing stiff competition in international market.

Footballs export was hit hard which witnessed a negative growth in the past few years.

Similarly, exports of canvas, footwear showed a declining trend as well.

Exports of surgical goods and chemicals also witnessed negative growth for the past many years, but the commerce ministry is yet to study the declining trend for supporting these sectors.