KARACHI: Pakistan has resolved visa issues for traders participating in an upcoming UAE trade exhibition, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) Chief Executive Faiz Ahmed said during a meeting at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).
Ahmed highlighted TDAP’s recent successes in organising trade exhibitions in Saudi Arabia and upcoming plans for Ethiopia, urging LCCI members to actively participate. He also noted structural changes in Pakistan’s trade diplomacy, with commercial counsellors and consuls-general now re-designated as trade and investment officers, subject to quarterly performance reviews. Underperforming officers may face recall.
Emphasising value addition in exports, Ahmed pointed out that despite being among the top 10 global producers of mangoes and guavas, Pakistan has not fully capitalised on its potential due to limited processing facilities. He noted that the country has only two mango pulp processing plants. TDAP has allocated 10 per cent of the Export Development Fund for SMEs and another 10 per cent specifically for women entrepreneurs to promote non-traditional exports.
Ahmed also stressed the need for stable trade policies, citing high industrial production costs as a major hurdle to export growth. He reaffirmed TDAP’s efforts to restore the zero-rating facility on local yarn in the upcoming budget to support textile exports.
LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad called for a shift from raw material exports to value-added products, arguing that the current model results in billions of dollars in economic losses. He cited the example of salt exports to India at low rates, which is then processed and resold at significantly higher prices. Similarly, he highlighted gypsum exports at $17 per tonne, with freight costs alone reaching $15 per tonne. Shad suggested either banning gypsum exports or setting a minimum price of $50 per tonne to ensure profitability.
Shad also pointed to Pakistan’s heavy reliance on textiles, leather and rice, which account for 68 per cent of total exports, and urged diversification into high-potential sectors like halal food, pharmaceuticals, IT, engineering, surgical instruments and sports goods.
LCCI Vice President Shahid Nazir Chaudhry stressed that Pakistan’s share in major global markets remains minimal and called on TDAP to facilitate local businesses’ participation in key trade fairs in 2025 and 2026.
Visa delays affecting Pakistani exporters were another key concern raised by Shad, who noted that over 20 LCCI-affiliated companies faced difficulties obtaining visas for a Dubai exhibition despite booking stalls. He urged TDAP to work closely with embassies and trade missions to ensure smooth participation in international trade events.