Pakistan - Market ChallengesPakistan - Market Challenges
Principal competitors of U.S. businesses in Pakistan are Chinese, European, Japanese, and South Korean suppliers which, at times, offer credit terms on major projects and government tenders that are difficult to compete with. State-owned Chinese firms are increasingly expanding into market segments traditionally dominated by Western firms. To boost development, Pakistan and China are implementing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). In 2015, Islamabad and Beijing formally agreed to Chinese financing through CPEC worth now more than $62 billion, targeting the energy ports & shipping sector and other infrastructure projects.
Though American products are considered high quality and are in demand, U.S. goods are often more expensive than other imported products, and Pakistani companies find U.S. firms slow to respond to their business inquiries. Some U.S. firms choose to ship goods to Pakistan from regional offices.
Potential investors in Pakistan face many of the same challenges that exist in other developing economies such as regulatory risk and a lack of transparency in public-sector decision-making. Pakistan is a diverse and challenging market, requiring adaptability and persistence. It is often difficult to sell in this market without a reliable local partner, thus choosing the right local partners and careful planning are critical to success. U.S. firms willing to invest time to develop market presence may be rewarded in the long-term.
Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.
Though American products are considered high quality and are in demand, U.S. goods are often more expensive than other imported products, and Pakistani companies find U.S. firms slow to respond to their business inquiries. Some U.S. firms choose to ship goods to Pakistan from regional offices.
Potential investors in Pakistan face many of the same challenges that exist in other developing economies such as regulatory risk and a lack of transparency in public-sector decision-making. Pakistan is a diverse and challenging market, requiring adaptability and persistence. It is often difficult to sell in this market without a reliable local partner, thus choosing the right local partners and careful planning are critical to success. U.S. firms willing to invest time to develop market presence may be rewarded in the long-term.
Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.