Exports jump 25pc in 15 days of Feb

Merch­andise exports grew 25.3 per cent in the first fortnight of the current month on a year-on-year basis, indicating a recovery of export-led industrial growth. Official data compiled by the commerce ministry showed that export proceeds in the first 15 days of February reached $1.275 billion from $1.017bn over the corresponding period last year. Commerce Minister Gohar Ejaz noted that these positive trends refl­ect the growth momentum that will be recorded in the remaining days of the current month. “We hope that growth will continue in the remaining months of the current fiscal year,” the minister said. The break up showed that textile and apparel exports grew 8pc to $682m from $631.3m in the corresponding period last year. The export growth in the manufacturing and engineering sector was recorded at 19.8pc to $214.9m this year against $179.5m in the corresponding period last year.