An Insightful STEP

Delivering evidence-based research to support reform planning, performance tracking, and institutional learning.

Research Studies

Women in Trade: Barriers to Entry and the Path to Inclusive Export Growth

Women-led businesses face unique structural hurdles in accessing international markets. This study utilizes primary data to map these barriers—from financing to mobility—and formulates evidence-based interventions to integrate women entrepreneurs into the mainstream export economy.
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The Green Imperative: Adapting Pakistan’s Textile Sector to EU Carbon Border Taxes

With the impending implementation of carbon border mechanisms, compliance is no longer optional. This research assesses the readiness of Pakistan’s textile manufacturers and calculates the investment required to transition towards sustainable, low-carbon production processes.
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egional Connectivity: Feasibility of Expanding Trade Corridors with Central Asian Markets

Pakistan’s geo-strategic location offers immense transit potential. This study evaluates the logistical and regulatory infrastructure required to operationalize trade routes to Central Asia, estimating the economic dividends of enhanced regional connectivity and transit trade.
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Reports

State of Trade 2025: Navigating Global Supply Chain Shifts and Market

Global trade patterns are evolving rapidly, presenting both risks and opportunities for Pakistan. This comprehensive report analyzes recent export performance, identifies emerging market trends, and evaluates the resilience of key domestic sectors against external economic shocks.
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Beyond Textiles: Diversification Strategies for High-Value Engineering and

Reliance on traditional sectors limits Pakistan's economic resilience. This report maps the export potential of the engineering sector, highlighting supply-side constraints and proposing targeted interventions to successfully integrate local industries into complex global value chains.
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The Energy Crisis: Assessing the Impact of Tariff Hikes on Industrial

Rising energy costs are a critical bottleneck for industrial growth. This report quantifies the impact of recent tariff adjustments on production costs for SMEs and large-scale manufacturing, offering policy alternatives to ensure sustainable energy for export industries.
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Articles

Reclaiming Competitiveness: A Strategic Framework for Export-Led Growth in Pakistan

Pakistan's export potential remains largely untapped due to persistent structural inefficiencies and rising regional competition. This study presents a strategic framework to restore competitiveness and unlock sustained, export-driven growth.

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Cutting the Red Tape: A Roadmap for Regulatory Reform in Pakistan

Cumbersome and outdated regulations continue to stifle business growth and investment in Pakistan. This policy brief outlines a practical roadmap to streamline regulatory frameworks and build a more agile, business-friendly economy.

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Closing the Productivity Gap: Why Pakistan Is Falling Behind and What Can Be Done

Despite a young labour force, Pakistan’s productivity levels remain stagnant, dragging down competitiveness across sectors. This analysis explores the root causes of the productivity gap and offers actionable strategies to unlock higher value-added growth.

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Policy Briefs

Streamlining Customs: Digital Solutions to Reduce Border Compliance Costs and Delays

Inefficient border procedures inflate the cost of doing business. This brief advocates for the complete digitalization of customs clearance processes, proposing a single-window interface to minimize delays, reduce corruption risks, and accelerate the cross-border movement of goods.

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Incentivizing Innovation: Fiscal Reforms to Boost R&D in the Export Sector

Pakistani exports often lack value addition due to low technological adoption. This brief proposes a revised fiscal framework that offers tax credits and grants for Research and Development, encouraging firms to innovate and move up the quality ladder.
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Empowering SMEs: A Framework for Easier Access to Export Finance and Credit

Small and Medium Enterprises struggle to secure capital for international expansion. This policy brief outlines a risk-sharing facility and simplified collateral requirements to unlock formal banking credit for high-potential SMEs entering the global export market.
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Testimonials

“STEP’s brief gave our team the evidence we needed to change policy for exporters.”

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Ministry

“STEP Institute brought exactly the kind of insight we needed - technically sound, politically realistic, and rooted in real institutional dynamics. Their policy input was not only clear, but implementable.”
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Government Organisation

“We’ve worked with many research groups, but STEP stood out for their ability to bridge evidence and execution. Their work helped shape decisions that directly influenced our programme design.”

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Development Partner

“STEP’s export intelligence and regulatory insights were a game changer. Their ability to break down market requirements into actionable guidance helped our members plan smarter and scale faster.”

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Trade Association

“The STEP training helped our export team look beyond documentation. We now understand market access, data mining, and compliance in a way that’s aligned with global trade dynamics.”

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Multinational Enterprise

“STEP Institute brings a rare mix of strategic clarity and operational practicality. Their work is as sharp in its analysis as it is relevant on the ground.”

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Academic Partner