Barter trade reality

Description

This article evaluates Pakistan’s introduction of barter-trade arrangements with Iran, Afghanistan and Russia amid foreign-exchange shortages, currency depreciation and weak economic growth. It examines the wider shift towards de-dollarisation and argues that barter trade could ease immediate pressure on dollar reserves and support regional commerce. However, the article cautions that such arrangements are not a substitute for broader reforms to strengthen exports, restore macroeconomic stability and maintain balanced economic relations with major global powers.