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Premier institutional reforms have taken place in the wake of the 18th constitutional Amendment. With political, legislative and administrative powers devolved to provincial governments and federating units in a number of key areas such as agriculture, environment, social services including education and health, there has been a recalibration of powers, roles and functions between the federal and provincial governments.

In addition, the political vision for growth and institutional reform is well articulated at both the centre and in the federating units. At the federal level, Vision 2025 articulates the federal government's plans, while each of the provinces has its own context-specific overarching development frameworks. These frameworks are sufficiently diverse to allow for local decision- making and visions while conforming to the broad parameters outlined in the national Vision 2025 framework. A common thread among all these policy frameworks is to use the private sector as an engine of growth and to provide an enabling business environment that facilitates trade, job creation, accountability and conformity with international standards for environment and labour.

Ongoing security challenges, both within the country and in the region, are a crippling constraint to Pakistan's economic and social development. A series of natural disasters (devastating floods in 2010 and 2012) along with a consistent security threat resulting from militancy and terrorism has led to declines in Foreign Direct Investment, over US$3 billion according to one estimate. (...)

Pakistan's economy has exhibited resilience in a difficult environment. Real GDP growth averaged nearly 3.2% annually during the period under review, and is projected to be in excess of 4% in 2014/15. Pakistan's economy was able to post growth despite adversities such as a tight security environment, the global economic crisis, and a host of natural disasters. However, serious challenges remain; these include power shortages, a weak fiscal position and lack of investment.

(…) The various challenges of crop production in Pakistan include insufficient irrigation, limited adoption of modern farming techniques, various plant pests, irregular rainfall, inadequate storage facilities, low-quality seeds, farm fragmentation, and natural disasters such as the 2010 flooding.

(…) Pakistan believes that competitiveness, sustainability and profitability are the guiding principles for the agriculture sector.

In readiness for more and better agro-exports, the above-mentioned EU-TRTA programmes have provided a large number of capacity-building measures on SPS matters. (...) Initiatives such as strengthening the SPS management system; the establishment of the NAPHIS (National Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service), and the approval of Pakistan Bio-Security Authority Bill and Food Safety and Phytosanitary Laws has been achieved.(...)

Pakistan is also conducting stakeholder consultations for exploring the possibility of acceding to plurilateral agreements on Information Technology (ITA), Government Procurement (GPA) and the Green Goods Agreement.

Pakistan supports an open, fair and rules-based trading system to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth at home and abroad. Pakistan shall continue to participate actively in the work of the WTO, while pursuing regional and bilateral trade agreements as catalysts for multilateral liberalization. We are looking forward to a successful conclusion of the Doha Round and remain committed to all our international obligations.

Under Pakistan's investment regime, 100% FDI is permitted in most industries. FDI is prohibited in arms and ammunitions; high explosives; radioactive substances; security printing; currency and mint; and consumable alcohol. (…)