Key Points
- Reforms include artificial intelligence, digital trade platforms, regional restructuring and performance-based management
- New export ecosystem to cover agricultural products
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has approved a major restructuring of its trade promotion agency to improve access to international markets for domestic products.
The plan aims to strengthen export competitiveness and help local industries meet global standards, the Prime Minister’s Office said on Friday.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the modernisation of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) at a high-level meeting in Islamabad, directing officials to complete the reforms by the middle of next year and ensure their implementation.
The initiative aims to transform TDAP into a modern trade promotion organisation. The reformed TDAP would better connect Pakistani manufacturers, exporters and small businesses with international buyers and markets.
Addressing the meeting, Shehbaz said expanding access to global markets was essential for exports and that a modernised TDAP would help industries make better use of Pakistan’s export potential.
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“Pakistan has vast export potential and a highly favourable geographical location,” the prime minister said, adding that the government was facilitating industries and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to make fuller use of these advantages.
Eight core functions and digital transformation
A briefing to the meeting highlighted institutional weaknesses and operational challenges within TDAP, alongside a comparative assessment of successful international trade promotion organisations.
It showed that modern trade agencies provide integrated services, including developing domestic markets, facilitating access to overseas markets, improving exporters’ capabilities and promoting products internationally.
The proposed reforms seek to concentrate TDAP’s responsibilities on eight core functions while restructuring its governing board and management system.
Other measures include improving the authority’s regional network, introducing digital platforms and artificial intelligence (AI), and establishing measurable performance indicators to assess institutional effectiveness.
The reform package also envisages independent third-party assessments to ensure accountability and determine whether the changes are delivering tangible results.
The phased 12-month implementation plan would cover approval, institutional design, execution and independent evaluation.
Shehbaz directed the authorities to complete the reform process by mid-2027, stressing that institutional improvements must be linked to measurable targets and actual performance.
Agricultural exports and institutional accountability
The prime minister called for a complete export ecosystem for agricultural products, covering the entire value chain from production and processing to market access.
The approach is intended to help Pakistani agricultural producers and businesses meet international requirements and improve their ability to compete in overseas markets.
He also directed that TDAP recruit well-trained professionals through a transparent, merit-based process.
Institutional accountability
Emphasising institutional accountability, the prime minister said promotions and career progression within public-sector organisations should be linked to achievement and individual performance.
He further ordered the engagement of a reputable private-sector audit firm to conduct TDAP’s performance and financial audits.
The reforms intend to make the authority more responsive to exporters’ needs, improve the quality of trade promotion services and strengthen the contribution of domestic industries and SMEs to Pakistan’s export growth.
