Trade and commerce have played a pivotal role in shaping the development of Pakistan’s economy by making a significant contribution in terms of tax revenues and providing gainful employment. In Pakistan Trade and Commerce Department is run under the Ministry of Commerce. Trade is the backbone of any country and so is the case with Pakistan. Trade not only serves to contribute to the national economy through trade liberalization and facilitation, improving export competiveness and reducing cost of doing business. Aim to achieve higher market access for Pakistani products in existing markets as well as new markets with ultimate aim of improving quality of life of the people of Pakistan.
In today’s world of economic competitiveness, e-commerce, and changing dynamics however, trade now needs increased global integration, greater research, enhanced quality development, and of course sustainability. The Trade Development Corporation of Pakistan (TDAP) is mandated to support and assist trade enhancement through access to export markets, through the bolstering of new sectors, through capacity development on international standards and agreements, and liaison between public and private stakeholders, as well as, general facilitation of exporters at large.
The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) was established on November 8, 2006, under a Presidential Ordinance, has the Ministry of Commerce as its administrative ministry. TDAP is the successor organization to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and is mandated to have a holistic view of global trade development rather than only the ‘export promotion’ perspective of its predecessor. Keeping in mind that agriculture is the backbone of our economy, intimately linked to poverty reduction and social uplift, TDAP has facilitated over 30,000 exporters in participation in over 3000 international trade shows for the growth of exports, attributing over $19 billion worth of exports to its success.
All TDAP effort is being made to improve the effectiveness of trade and agri-related development with special emphasis on advancing the employment opportunities and supporting transformative change in the horticulture and livestock sectors, with particular emphasis on SMEs and women. TDAP is committed to institutional capacity building, research and the development of a multi-pronged strategy for export enhancement.
The issue of branding is fundamental to trade development and marketing. Trade is as much about dollars and cents as it is about image building and public perception. Expo Pakistan is a unique opportunity to showcase Pakistan’s potential to the world. It is time we tell our buyers that the fabric they buy is not just cloth but the essence of our land, a product of the confluence of ancient rivers, the convergence of diverse cultures, the toil of honest men and women. That is what we call ‘Made in Pakistan’.
TDAP has been holding Expo Pakistan, the country’s largest exhibition for many years with considerable success. This helps in generating billions of dollars and has been housing thousands of visitors every year. During the 9th Expo held from February 26 to March 1, 2015, Pakistan is estimated to have generated more than one billion dollars of export orders. The country’s biggest trade fair in Pakistan, Expo Pakistan had housed the largest collection of export merchandise and services. This annual four-day mega event has become the major sourcing point for a large number of foreign businesses. Thousands of foreign buyers from many countries attended the fair to make it a success.
AMNA MALIK
Islamabad
