TDAP eyes $50bn exports in next 2 or 3 years

KARACHI: Trade Development Authority ( TDAP) is taking various practical measures to increase Pakistan's exports to 50 billion dollars in next two or three years.

Last year, the total exports of the country amounted dollars 24 billion.

This year till date, Pakistan have made eight percent more exports against the last year's total exports. This was informed to media by Chief Executive Officer TDAP, S.M. Muneer after chairing a meeting with representatives of fruit and vegetable exporters association, fruit growers, plant protection department and fruit processing units, here in his office on Monday.

He said that besides re-structuring of TDAP, the competent and committed Commercial Counselors would be appointed who can deliver to the country by helping get more share in regional and international markets.

"I have suggested for appointment of very good Commercial Counselors. They should stay on the posts only on the basis of their performance," he remarked. TDAP's CEO informed the media that he has formed a five-member committee to find the ways and means for increasing mango export in the existing markets along with searching new markets as Pakistani mango has big demand in the world.

It would also suggest the preventive steps for protection of mango trees from various diseases damaging the crop, he said.

This committee would submit its detailed report to the CEO of TDAP within next 10 to 15 days , he said. The committee comprises representatives of the above mentioned stakeholders and a senior officer of TDAP. " We want to grow our mango export to its potential and demand in the world. There is big market in Hongkong also ," he said.

To question , S.M. Muneer said that TDAP's hot water treatment plant stuck up with the Customs at Karachi Port Trust (KPT) for last couple of years would be cleared soon and set up in Karachi even on a plot on rent. In Karachi, there are three such plants. One is as a joint venture of M/s Durrani's Pak Hortifresh and Federal Ministry of Commerce. Other two are run by M/s Durrani separately.

S.M. Muneer , who is a big exporter of leather and yarn exporter, said Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has posed a trust on him and he would try his best to deliver by significantly increasing the country's exports.