Technological innovations

This refers to the letter ‘Increasing exports’ (Jun 1) by Engr Asim Nawab. Pakistan’s exports are concentrated on a few traditional items. The agriculture sector is still not equipped with modern technology. Only rice is being produced in sufficient quantities, allowing the government to export this item. During the last few year, the country started importing food items. Previously, cotton used to be one of the most lucrative cash crops. The country would produce between 14 and 15 million bales. However, now, our output is around seven to eight million bales. To meet the needs of its textile industry, Pakistan has ended up importing cotton. During the last two or three decades, no new manufacturing units were set up to increase the country’s production capacity. Also, since Pakistan is still using old plants, the quality of our finished goods is quite poor. These are some of the reasons for our reliance on imports. To revive the agriculture sector and improve the performance of industries, the government has to play a more central role, instead of leaving the matter entirely to the private sector. Currently, the government doesn’t have long-term policies that can help it revive these sectors. Pakistan has to focus on the education sector and set up state-of-the-art centres that can produce highly educated and skilled manpower if it wants to bring technological innovations in the country. Only then we can expect the country to export high-tech goods and compete internationally. Unfortunately, successive leaders in this country have not paid attention to this important matter.

Erum A Baig

Karachi