NA highlights need for SME focused reforms in Pakistan’s Trade Authority

Islamabad: During a National Assembly session, Ms. Syeda Shehla Raza, MNA, raised a question regarding the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan’s (TDAP) performance over the last year, seeking detailed insights into achievements, gaps, and proposed reforms. The Ministry of Commerce, represented by Federal Minister Jam Kamal Khan, submitted comprehensive documentation highlighting TDAP’s flagship events, foreign engagement, and structural challenges.

The Ministry revealed that TDAP hosted four major international trade events in 2024 and 2025, attracting substantial foreign participation and business opportunities. The 5th TEXPO 2024 saw 527 foreign delegates from 60 countries, 274 exhibitors, and 2,762 B2B meetings, generating an expected business volume of $982 million. The 1st FAM 2025 event involved 37 delegates from seven countries and produced an expected business of $270 million. Similarly, the 4th HEMS 2025 hosted 900 delegates from 70 countries, while the 3rd FoodAg 2025 engaged 850 delegates from 85 countries with 5,700 B2B meetings, estimating $730 million in business.

Despite these impressive figures, the National Assembly raised concerns over persistent structural and operational gaps within TDAP. Significant human resource constraints were noted, with multiple vacancies leading to execution and analytical capacity gaps. Lawmakers highlighted the weak SME promotion framework, limited focus on small and medium enterprises, and lack of dedicated ownership within product divisions, which hindered targeted export development.

Another critical issue identified was ineffective institutional coordination. TDAP’s linkages with Trade and Investment Offices (TIOs), federal ministries, chambers of commerce, and private sector stakeholders were deemed insufficient, slowing policy feedback and execution. Delays in disseminating real time market intelligence further hampered exporters’ ability to respond to global opportunities. The Assembly emphasized the need for a Trade Opportunity Alert System and a centralized intelligence platform to provide timely information to exporters.

Lawmakers also pointed out limited access to trade data, as TDAP staff lacked direct, real time access to PRAL, State Bank of Pakistan, and export databases, constraining data driven decisions. Furthermore, fragmented digital infrastructure prevented the agency from utilizing advanced analytics, buyer seller matchmaking, and monitoring tools, limiting the effectiveness of trade facilitation initiatives.

To address these challenges, the Ministry proposed a comprehensive structural reform plan. Key measures include creating new posts for Additional Secretaries, Directors General, and SME directors, targeted hiring and capacity building, appointing a Director (SME) in each product division, establishing an integrated coordination mechanism; developing a National Exporter Database with real time data access, and launching an AI enabled Trade Intelligence Portal with digital dashboards for matchmaking and analytics.

The reforms intend to transform TDAP into a modern, intelligence-driven Trade Promotion Organization aligned with global best practices. By strengthening HR capacity, focusing on SMEs, and introducing digital solutions, the Ministry aims to improve Pakistan’s export competitiveness and maximize benefits from flagship trade events.