The reforms aim to strengthen export promotion, expand global market access, introduce digital and AI-based services, and improve support for small and medium-sized enterprises.
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved a comprehensive modernisation plan for the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) to boost national exports, improve access 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 high-level meeting chaired by the prime minister in Islamabad on Friday to review TDAP’s performance and proposed institutional reforms.
Shehbaz Sharif said expanding access to international markets for domestically manufactured products was essential for increasing Pakistan’s exports. He said a modernised TDAP would help create opportunities for local industries and businesses to compete more effectively in global markets.
The prime minister also directed authorities to develop a complete export ecosystem for agricultural products, covering the entire value chain. He emphasised that Pakistan should make effective use of its export potential and geographical advantages.
During the meeting, officials briefed participants on TDAP’s existing performance, institutional structure and operational challenges. A comparative assessment of successful international trade promotion organisations highlighted the importance of integrated services, including domestic market development, access to global markets and capacity-building support for exporters.
The briefing also presented a reform framework aimed at transforming TDAP into a modern, internationally competitive trade promotion organisation.
The proposed measures include limiting the authority’s scope to eight core functions, restructuring its board and administrative setup, strengthening its regional network and introducing digital platforms and artificial intelligence to improve service delivery.
The plan also proposes measurable performance indicators and an independent third-party evaluation mechanism to assess institutional effectiveness.
A phased 12-month implementation roadmap, covering approval, design, execution and independent assessment, was presented to the meeting. The prime minister directed the relevant authorities to complete the reforms and ensure their implementation by the middle of next year.
Shehbaz Sharif stressed that institutional reforms could only succeed when employee promotions and career progression were linked to performance and the achievement of organisational targets.
He further directed that well-trained and competent professionals be recruited into TDAP through a transparent, merit-based process.
The prime minister also called for the appointment of a reputable private audit firm to conduct the authority’s performance and financial audits.
He said the government was facilitating industries and SMEs to help them benefit from Pakistan’s broad export potential and geographical advantages.
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. Prime Minister’s Adviser Haroon Akhtar, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani and senior officials from relevant departments were also present.
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