Lahore: The president of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol, has expressed optimism over the increasing international interest in Pakistan's JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, describing it as a significant and positive development for the country. Saigol noted that the interest from nations such as Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, and Azerbaijan signifies a growing trust in Pakistan's defence capabilities on a global scale.

According to Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Saigol emphasized that the export of high-tech and value-added projects like the JF-17 could be transformative for Pakistan's economy. He highlighted the potential for these projects to generate substantial foreign exchange revenue, create employment opportunities, and strengthen domestic engineering and aviation sectors through technology transfer.

Saigol also pointed out that the JF-17 Thunder's export underscores the robustness of Pakistan's industrial base and its ability to offer advanced strategic products in global markets, moving beyond raw materials and low-value items. This development is expected to enhance Pakistan's international image and boost foreign investor confidence.

He further suggested that the success witnessed in the defence production sector could serve as a model for other industries. Saigol called for collaboration between the government, private sector, and defence institutions to expand export potential in various fields, including engineering, automobiles, electronics, and IT.

The LCCI president urged the government to prioritize defence and high-tech exports within the national export strategy, maintain policy consistency, and provide long-term support to exporters. Such measures, he argued, would reduce dependence on International Monetary Fund programs and guide Pakistan towards sustainable economic self-reliance.