KARACHI: Secretary Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) Sheryar Taj has outlined strategic plans to increase exports through agricultural value addition, digital trade facilitation, and preferential market access. During a recent engagement with the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), Taj emphasized the necessity for Pakistan to transition beyond raw commodity exports to fully harness its trade capabilities.
According to Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, during his visit, Taj introduced TDAP's Preferential Trade Access Database (PTAD), an initiative covering 29 trade arrangements across 93 countries. This database enables exporters to access tariff concessions by inputting a product's HS code. To further assist exporters, TDAP will conduct training sessions at KCCI. The meeting was attended by key figures, including Chairman Businessmen Group Zubair Motiwala and President KCCI Talat Mahmood.
Taj highlighted the digitisation of Certificates of Origin, which has enabled TDAP to issue approximately 40,000 certificates, aiding around 12,000 exporters and saving significant costs. He also announced upcoming events such as the FoodAg Manufacturing exhibition in Karachi and agricultural exhibitions in Lahore and Quetta, demonstrating TDAP's commitment to promoting value-added exports.
Zubair Motiwala, representing the Businessmen Group, called for a reassessment of the Free Trade Agreement with China due to imbalanced trade growth. He advocated for a comprehensive blue economy strategy, predicting substantial revenue from fisheries and related industries. Motiwala also stressed the importance of transitioning from raw to value-added agricultural exports.
President KCCI Talat Mahmood assured TDAP of KCCI's support, including the operationalization of a TDAP Help Desk at KCCI and the nomination of women entrepreneurs for TDAP initiatives. He also sought intervention from Sheryar Taj regarding outstanding export proceeds from a rice shipment to Oman.
These initiatives underscore a collaborative effort to enhance Pakistan's export landscape through strategic partnerships and targeted interventions.