PM Shehbaz approves restructuring of TDAP to boost exports
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the restructuring of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan on modern lines. The reforms are to be completed by the middle of next year.
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- TDAP to be restructured to promote exports and help industries, including SMEs, meet export standards
- Proposed reforms limit TDAP to eight core functions
- A 12-month phased plan was presented; reforms to be done by mid-next year
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday approved the restructuring of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) on modern lines. The decision was taken at a review meeting on the authority's performance and reforms held in Islamabad under his chairmanship.
The restructuring aims to promote Pakistani exports, widen access for Pakistani products to global markets and bring local industries, including small and medium enterprises, in line with export standards. The Prime Minister's Office said access of industrially manufactured products to global markets was "of key importance for increasing exports".
The meeting was briefed on TDAP's current performance, its institutional structure and the challenges in the existing system. The proposed reforms include limiting the authority's scope to eight core functions, restructuring its board and administrative structure, and making its regional network effective.
They also include the use of digital platforms and artificial intelligence, and the introduction of measurable indicators and independent third-party review. A 12-month phased plan covering approval, design, implementation and independent assessment was presented.
The Prime Minister said the entire ecosystem of agricultural product exports, including the whole value chain, would be built. He said a well-trained workforce should be made part of TDAP transparently and on merit.
Shehbaz Sharif said reforms were "possible only when promotion in institutions is made conditional on achieving targets and performance". He also said "the services of a reputable private audit firm should be engaged for the institution's performance and financial audit".
He said Pakistan's export potential was vast and its geography highly suitable, and that the government is facilitating industries and SMEs to raise exports. He directed that the reforms be completed by the middle of next year.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja and Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik were among those who attended, according to The Express Tribune.
Background
khabr.pk reported on 6 November that the Prime Minister directed the removal of the 80 percent export condition for long-term financing for small and medium enterprises. That came at a meeting on facilities for export-oriented SMEs.
Why it matters
Exporters, including SMEs, deal with TDAP for trade support, so changes to its structure and functions may affect them. The plan also covers the agricultural export value chain, which is relevant to farm-sector businesses and the jobs tied to them. The reforms are due to be completed by the middle of next year.
