Export of govt services witnesses 111pc growth

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s export of government services witnessed more than 111 per cent growth during the 11 months of the last fiscal year 2012-13 from a year ago. In absolute terms, export proceeds from government services reached $3.219 billion in July-May period in 2012-13 from $1.522 billion over the corresponding months of previous year, suggested data compiled by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. As a result of this robust growth, share of government services in total services exports jumped to an all-time high of 52.34pc in 2012-13 from mere 33pc in 2011-12. This growth was largely driven by 23.95pc increase in remittances received by foreign missions in Pakistan, 1.18pc increase in receipts through international bodies, 65.14pc increase in earnings of Pakistan diplomatic mission abroad and 129pc increase in other government services. The biggest share in government services exports came from military units and agencies which recorded a growth of 798.76pc as its proceeds reached $2.002bn in July-May period this year from mere $222.791m over the corresponding period of the previous year. The second biggest sector in Pakistan’s export sector was transportation sector. However, overall export proceeds of the transport sector witnessed a decline of 19.92pc in July-May period this year as it fell to $1.123bn from $1.403bn over the corresponding period of last year. The decline in export proceeds of transport services was because of 41.73pc decline in charter of Pakistan ships with crew, followed by 25pc decline in charter of Pakistan aircrafts with crew, 71.07pc decline in earnings of Pakistan road transport, 30.25pc in freight earnings and 35.98pc in other local disbursement of foreign ship/air cargo. In the travel sectors, earnings from tourist of Pakistan origin up by 4.51pc, but earnings from the foreign national tourist declined by 16.74pc in July-May period in 2012-13 as compared to the previous year. The religious tour also witnessed a decline of more 84pc during the period under review over last year.In communications services, export of postal services witnessed a decline of 9.22pc, and courier services declined by 17.45pc during the period under review. The telecommunications witnessed a growth of 164pc and call centers 44.89pc, respectively. Construction services exports witnessed a growth of 13.99pc in July-May period this year from a year ago. Under the head of computer and information services, hardware consultancy services exports were up 184pc, software consultancy 11.46pc, 19.20pc growth in export of computer software, 7.78pc in other computer services. Export of other businesses services declined by 12.44pc and royalties and licence fees by 34.43pc in July-May period this year over the previous year. Export of personal, culture and recreation services witnessed an increase of 72.57pc growth during the period under review. This growth was driven by increase in export of audiovisual and related services, earnings of professional artists and other personal, cult and recreational services.