About STEP Institute
Policy shaped by evidence, refined by experience.
Strategic Trade & Economic Policy (STEP) Institute is an independent, practitioner-led think tank committed to strengthening Pakistan’s economic governance through inclusive, evidence-based policymaking.
Founded and led by professionals with decades of experience working within and alongside government, STEP brings a unique blend of policy expertise and implementation insight. Our work centres on the formulation, evaluation, and reform of public policy in trade, commerce, and economic development.
STEP operates through a vast and trusted network of stakeholders across the public and private sectors — including federal and provincial institutions, chambers of commerce, trade associations, and industry leaders, particularly from Pakistan’s export sector. These linkages ensure our work remains grounded in sectoral realities, shaped by stakeholder insight, and aligned with national development priorities.
Our team brings deep knowledge of export value chains, supply-side constraints, and the dynamics of global export markets. Having worked at all levels of the trade ecosystem i.e. behind the border (domestic readiness and supply chains), at the border (regulatory frameworks and facilitation), and beyond the border (market access and international competitiveness), STEP understands what it takes to make policy not only viable, but export-effective.
We assist public institutions, development partners, and private stakeholders in crafting strategic policy frameworks, regulatory reforms, and export-led growth strategies. From policy briefs to pre-feasibility studies and capacity-building programmes, our offerings are designed to support practical implementation and measurable impact.
STEP combines technical rigour with a deep understanding of institutional dynamics to help shape policies that are responsive, grounded, and future-oriented.
Behind the border, at the border, and beyond — we know what real trade reform takes.
Vision
Mission
To support inclusive, evidence-driven policymaking by delivering strategic advice, policy research, and capacity-building services that respond to real institutional challenges and implementation needs.
Our Values
Collaboration
Evidence-based Approach
Inclusivity
Independence
Impact Statistics
Policy Reports
Partner Institutions
Trainees
Countries Covered
Connect With Us
Our mission is to transform evidence into impact creating inclusive growth across Pakistan.
Testimonials
“STEP’s brief gave our team the evidence we needed to change policy for exporters.”
Ministry
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”