This week’s business landscape brought critical developments across global markets, local economies, and emerging tech sectors. From Pakistan’s new export incentives to global tech earnings, here’s a comprehensive summary of what mattered most between July 21 and July 27, 2025.
1. Pakistan’s Export Policy Revised: New Incentives for SMEs
The Ministry of Commerce in Pakistan announced a revised export policy aimed at supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Key changes include:
- Zero-rated tax policy for textile exporters under Rs. 100 million annual turnover
- Priority loan access for registered SMEs via the Kamyab Pakistan Program
- E-commerce exporters to get faster customs clearance under a new green lane pilot
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2. PSX Weekly Wrap: Banking Stocks Lead the Rally
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) closed higher for the third consecutive week. The KSE-100 index gained 435 points, ending the week at 81,320 points. Notable movements:
- HBL and UBL shares surged after strong Q2 results
- Fertilizer stocks dipped due to expected urea price controls
- Foreign portfolio investment remained stable despite rupee fluctuations
3. Global Markets: Mixed Sentiments Across US and Asia
Global markets were mixed this week:
- The NASDAQ fell by 1.4% amid disappointing tech earnings from Meta
- Dow Jones gained 0.6%, supported by oil and banking sectors
- Asian stocks, including the Nikkei 225, remained flat as Japan’s inflation slowed unexpectedly
Analysts predict cautious movement next week as the US Federal Reserve is set to meet for its interest rate decision.
4. Tech & Startups: Global AI Funding Slows Down
After a two-year boom, global AI startups are witnessing a funding slowdown. According to Crunchbase:
- Total AI investments in July dropped by 23% month-over-month
- Investors are now focusing on profitable models and real-world AI use-cases
- Pakistani AI startup ZiaTech secured a $3 million seed round from Middle Eastern investors
5. Gold and Oil Prices Weekly Update
- Gold in Pakistan closed at Rs. 235,000 per tola, down 1.1% week-on-week
- Brent Crude Oil jumped to $88.20/barrel amid supply cut concerns from OPEC+
- USD/PKR exchange rate ended at 277.40 after SBP’s open market intervention
6. Major Earnings Announcements
Big companies released their quarterly results this week:
- Microsoft reported $64B in Q4 revenue, driven by cloud and AI services
- Tesla missed earnings expectations, with shares falling over 7%
- Unilever Pakistan announced a 12% YoY revenue growth in local currency
Also Read: Trade unit weighs on investments in the private sector: UBS
7. Government & Budget Developments
Pakistan’s Ministry of Finance initiated talks with the IMF for a new 3-year Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program. The government aims to:
- Improve the tax-to-GDP ratio to 11.5% by 2026
- Introduce a digital invoice tracking system for retailers
- Enhance power sector reforms through private investments
8. Trending Business Stories in Pakistan
- Careem Pakistan to relaunch bike service in three cities by August
- Daraz testing AI-based product recommendations to boost sales
- Punjab Board of Revenue announces new land digitization policy
Conclusion
This Business Roundup Week brought a blend of opportunity and caution. With key developments in Pakistan’s trade policy, tech earnings, and currency movements, businesses and investors should keep an eye on upcoming economic policies and global signals. Stay tuned next week for another edition of our business roundup.