KARACHI: The Businessmen Panel (BMP) of FPCCI on Monday demanded that Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) should be restructured immediately and a clear trade promotion policy devised for the exporters. Moreover, a strategy should be implemented on a strong basis to introduce Pakistani products to the international buyers as most of the countries have no knowledge about Pakistani products.
In a joint statement, Khawaja Shahzeb Akram, Mian Usman Zulfiqar, Ahmad Jawad said Commerce Ministry must fill the vacant position of the CEO on priority with a competent, full time and a non-controversial person so that TDAP could start delivering and play its role to increase exports with effective and long-term business plans.
“We must understand it’s the mandate of the TDAP to address the trade diplomacy rightly with our trading partners in the light of our FTA and PTAs.”
They said it is the duty of the TDAP to develop and promote exports holistically through focus, synergy, and with collective wisdom and counsel of its stakeholders.
Similarly, TDAP has an obligatory duty to help improve market access through advising the government on matters of trade diplomacy and promoting the business image of Pakistan in the key export markets for Pakistani products and services worldwide, they added.
BMP officials stated that the government had so far made no decision on the appointment of the new chief executive which is a matter of concern. We hope merit will prevail for this important assignment.
They further questioned why Muneer kept silent for three years, putting the business community in dark for his vested interests.
BMP spokesperson, Ahmad Jawad said Pakistan GSP+ status is in jeopardy as in this regard, the commerce minister and Attorney General had already reached Brussels. He urged European Union to extend our GSP+ status and the ministry may instruct the TDAP officials to take the maximum benefit from it. Further, the ministry should call a comprehensive report from the said authority and review in detail that how many successful events were held in last three years in the EU countries in the wake of GSP+.
