(Last updated: 15 Apr 2011)

Current business situation

The Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists to Pakistan. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

If travelling to remote or rural areas it is advisable to register your travel plans with the Australian High Commission in Islamabad.

Country facts

(Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Country economic fact sheet)

Economic climate

Pakistan’s economic strengths have traditionally come from agricultural products, with important cash crops being citrus, rice and cotton. Textiles continue to be another important sector of the economy.

There are well-defined sectors or niches where Australia has been a consistent supplier. These include food, commodities, education services and other industries offering significant potential, especially health, telecommunication, technical assistance, and oil and gas.

For the latest key economic indicators and statistics, please see the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade country economic fact sheet.

Political climate

Pakistan has been under a great deal of pressure since the events of 11 September, with the Government required to handle a range of crises. By and large these have had little impact on the economic situation, saying much about the ability of Pakistani business to operate in quite difficult environments.

Under normal circumstances, Pakistan has a system of government based on Westminster principles, and therefore quite familiar to Australians. There are Federal and Provincial governments. Likewise, common law principles support the legal system.

Trade relations and statistics

Pakistan’s political relationships are mainly focussed on its regional neighbours, such as Saudi Arabia and the People’s Republic of China.

Pakistan is a member of the South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), which has trade issues as a significant component of its overall agenda. While there has been some talk of creating a free trade area within SAARC, this has not gained any real momentum.

Australia enjoys a good relationship with Pakistan. The removal of sanctions by the Australian Government has obviously assisted the relationship overall, although trade continues to be little affected by the ups and downs in the political relationship.

Please see the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade country economic fact sheet for key trade statistics.