Summary Shehbaz said expanding access to international markets for locally manufactured products was essential to increasing exports
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved plans to modernise the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) to boost the country's exports, expand access for Pakistani products to international markets and bring local industries, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in line with global export standards.
The decision was taken during a review meeting on TDAP's performance and proposed reforms, chaired by the prime minister in Islamabad on Friday.
Shehbaz said expanding access to international markets for locally manufactured products was essential to increasing exports. He added that a modernised TDAP would help achieve this objective.
The prime minister also directed the development of a comprehensive export ecosystem for agricultural products, covering the entire value chain.
He called for the recruitment of well-trained professionals through a transparent, merit-based process and stressed that promotions within public institutions should be linked to performance and the achievement of targets.
Shehbaz further directed the hiring of a reputable private audit firm to conduct the authority's performance and financial audits.
He said Pakistan had significant export potential and a favourable geographical location, adding that the government was facilitating industries and SMEs to make better use of these advantages.
During the meeting, officials briefed the participants on TDAP's existing performance, organisational structure and operational challenges.
A comparative review of effective trade promotion organisations worldwide highlighted the need for integrated services to develop domestic markets, improve exporters' capabilities and expand access to international markets.
The proposed reforms include limiting TDAP's scope to eight core functions, restructuring its board and management, strengthening its regional network, and introducing digital platforms and artificial intelligence.
The plan also envisages measurable performance indicators and an independent third-party evaluation mechanism to assess the authority's effectiveness.
Officials presented a phased 12-month implementation plan covering approval, design, execution and independent assessment of the reforms.
The prime minister directed that the reforms be completed and implemented by the middle of next year.
Federal ministers Rana Tanveer Hussain, Jam Kamal Khan, Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Attaullah Tarar, Shaza Fatima Khawaja and Dr Musadik Malik attended the meeting, along with Prime Minister's Adviser Haroon Akhtar, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani and senior officials.
