PM Shehbaz approves restructuring TDAP ‘on modern lines’ to promote country’s exports

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday approved the restructuring of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) on “modern lines to promote Pakistani exports, increase access of Pakistani products to global markets, and align local industries, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs), with export standards,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said.

The PMO noted in a statement that PM Shehbaz stated that the “access of industrially manufactured products to global markets is of key importance for increasing exports,” adding that the restructuring of the TDAP “will pave the way for this.”

In his remarks at a high-level meeting held in Islamabad under his chairmanship, PM Shehbaz noted that the “entire ecosystem of agricultural product exports, including the entire value chain, will be built,” stating that a “well-trained workforce should be made part of TDAP transparently and on merit.”

According to the premier, “reforms are possible only when promotion in institutions is made conditional on achieving targets and performance,” the PMO said, adding that “the services of a reputable private audit firm should be engaged for the institution’s performance and financial audit.”

PM Shehbaz made note that Pakistan’s export potential was vast “and its geography is most suitable.” He stated that to increase exports, Islamabad was “facilitating industries and SMEs so that these characteristics can be fully utilised.”

Further, the PMO stated that the review meeting on the TDAP’s performance and reforms was informed about the challenges in the authority’s existing system.

“A comparative review of effective trade promotion organisations worldwide made clear that modern institutions provide integrated services for the development of local markets and access to global markets, for increasing the capacity of exporters, and for the promotion of exports,” the PMO noted.

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It added that the meeting was also presented reforms to transform TDAP into “a world-class trade promotion institution in line with modern requirements,” including limiting the institution’s scope to eight core functions, restructuring the board and administrative structure, making the regional network effective, and using digital platforms and artificial intelligence, while introducing measurable indicators and a system of independent third-party review to assess performance.

The statement noted that a 12-month phased plan including approval, design, implementation and independent assessment, was also presented for implementing the proposed reforms, with PM Shehbaz directing that the reforms be completed by the middle of next year and their implementation ensured.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik, among other federal ministers and relevant senior officials attended the meeting.