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 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 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 generate 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