Pakistan’s pink salt industry has the potential to earn billions of dollars from exports. President of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari emphasized that Pakistan is the only country in the world producing pink salt and demanded government support to increase the value of this salt. This can significantly increase Pakistan’s exports and revenues in the global market.
Despite the global pink salt market being worth around $12 billion, Pakistan’s current annual export of pink salt is only around $70 million, far below its true potential.
Pakistan exports 90% of its raw pink salt at a low price of $60-80 per ton, while other countries increase the price of Pakistan’s raw pink salt by selling it in the international markets to earn more profit. Bakhtavari urged the government to set a minimum export price for pink salt and help businesses improve their value-added capabilities, thereby increasing export potential.
Nadeem Ahmed, president of US-based company Miracle Salt, expressed interest in investing in Pakistan’s pink salt to develop value-added products, citing significant export potential in the global market. He stressed the importance of the government formulating a comprehensive policy for pink salt and regulating its trade and exports to attract more international investment. Pakistan’s pink salt industry has enormous potential to contribute to economic growth and development, but it is not the only solution to the country’s deep economic problems.
Pakistan should implement comprehensive policies prioritizing sustainable economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction to achieve economic stability. This includes leveraging strategic partnerships for financial reform, infrastructure investment, business development, skill development, and regional trade.
The development of the pink salt industry, with its unique taste and health benefits, can contribute to this effort, but it is limited by modern extraction and processing methods, marketing campaigns, and small-scale miners and producers. Therefore, investment in cooperation is needed.
The pink salt industry also has cultural and environmental significance, and sustainable practices can reduce its environmental impact. Ultimately, Pakistan can leverage its natural resources to drive economic growth, create employment opportunities and improve the well-being of its people.
