Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal says the chemical industry can play a pivotal role in economic growth, export promotion, industrial innovation and job creation in the country.

He was addressing the Pakistan Chemical Expo 2026 in Lahore.

The Minister for Planning and Development stressed that the country must adopt a development model based on knowledge, research, technology and industry to transform itself into a strong export-oriented economy.

He said the chemical industry is globally regarded as the “mother of all industries” as it serves as the foundation for sectors including agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, construction, automobiles, electronics and energy.

Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan imports chemicals, polymers and industrial raw materials worth billions of dollars annually, many of which can be produced locally.