ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday approved a sweeping overhaul of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) to expand access for Pakistani products to international markets and bring domestic industries, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, into line with global export standards.
The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by the prime minister, where officials presented proposals to transform the authority into a modern, internationally competitive trade promotion agency.
Sharif said expanding access to global markets for domestically manufactured goods was essential to increasing exports, adding that a modernised TDAP would help Pakistani businesses make better use of the country’s considerable export potential.
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He also called for the development of a comprehensive export ecosystem for agricultural products, covering the entire value chain, and directed that well-trained professionals be recruited into the authority through a transparent, merit-based process.
The proposed reforms follow a review of TDAP’s existing performance and institutional structure, which identified challenges in its current operations.
A comparative assessment of effective international trade promotion organisations found that leading agencies offered integrated services to develop domestic markets, facilitate access to overseas buyers and strengthen exporters’ capabilities.
The reform proposals include streamlining TDAP’s responsibilities into eight core functions, restructuring its board and management, strengthening its regional network and introducing digital platforms and artificial intelligence to improve its operations.
The officials also proposed measurable performance indicators and independent third-party assessments to monitor the authority’s effectiveness. A 12-month implementation plan, covering approval, design, execution and independent evaluation, was presented to the meeting.
The prime minister directed officials to complete the reforms by the middle of next year and ensure their implementation.
He said institutional reform would only succeed if career progression within public bodies was tied to the achievement of targets and demonstrable performance.
He also instructed TDAP to engage a reputable private audit firm to conduct performance and financial audits of the organisation.
Pakistan had substantial export potential, Sharif said, citing its geographical advantages and industrial capacity.
The government was working to facilitate industries and small and medium-sized businesses so that they could make fuller use of those opportunities.
The meeting was attended by federal ministers Rana Tanveer Hussain, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Attaullah Tarar, Shaza Fatima, Jam Kamal, Ahad Cheema,and Musadik Malik, as well as the prime minister’s adviser Haroon Akhtar, State Minister for Finance Bilal Kayani and senior government officials.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026