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(Last updated: 19 Mar 2009)
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.
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| Capital city: |
Islamabad |
| Surface area: |
796,000 sq km |
| Population: |
158.2 million |
| Official language(s): |
Urdu, English |
| Head of State: |
President HE Mr Asif Ali Zardari |
| Head of Government: |
Prime Minister HE Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani |
| Australian exports to Pakistan: |
A$490 million |
| Australian imports from Pakistan: |
A$154 million |
| Pakistan's principal export destinations: |
USA, United Arab Emirates, UK |
| Pakistan's principal import sources: |
China, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates | (Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Country economic fact sheet) |
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The Pakistan economy has undergone a great deal of change as a direct result of the government’s support for the ‘War on Terrorism’. The economic fundamentals of the country had been steadily improving post September 11, earning support from the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. The current high tension with India is placing the economy under pressure but the longer term impact is, at this stage, difficult to assess.
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.
Key economic indicators and statistics for 2008:
- GDP – US$160.9 billion
- GPD per capita – US$1,000
- Real GDP growth – 5.8 per cent
- Inflation – 21.5 per cent
(Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Country economic fact sheet) |
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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. |
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Trade relations and statistics
Pakistan’s political relationships are mainly focussed on its regional neighbours, such as Saudia 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.
Major Australian exports to Pakistan (2007-08):
- Fertilisers (excluding crude) – A$112 million
- Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits ‘soft’ – A$104 million
- Coal – A$58 million
- Lead – A$40 million
Major Australian imports from Pakistan (2007-08):
- Bed, table, toilet and kitchen linen – A$60 million
- Clothing – A$20 million
- Rice – A$18 million
- Cotton fabrics, woven – A$12 million
(Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Country economic fact sheet) |
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