Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has called for strong national and commercial branding to drive Pakistan's export growth.

He was addressing a stakeholder roundtable conference on "National Branding, Pakistan's Rising Soft Power and Brand-Led Exports" in Islamabad today.

The Minister said Pakistan produces world-class products, including high-end textiles, surgical instruments and sports goods, but often loses significant value because its products are marketed under foreign brands.

He said the national brand strategy would be built around seven pillars: Culture, Exports, Governance, Diplomacy and Defence, Entertainment, Tourism and Sports.