TDAP, GCCI boost collaboration to drive export growth

KARACHI: The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) strengthened its collaboration with the Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) in a strategic session aimed at enhancing the export potential of the region’s engineering and manufacturing sectors.

The meeting, held at the GCCI’s premises, brought together senior officials from TDAP’s Engineering Division II and members of the GCCI executive committee. It focused on reviving momentum on joint initiatives previously agreed under TDAP and the Export Development Fund (EDF), with the aim of improving the region’s global competitiveness through technical and marketing support.

Key attendees from TDAP Punjab-II included Director EDF Ameera Pervaiz; Director Engineering-II Nadia Farooqi; Director Engineering & New Initiatives Ali Tamkin Butt; Deputy Director EDF Dr Zain ul Abidin; and Deputy Manager Faisal Zaman.

The session reviewed progress on earlier collaborations and introduced a sectoral development plan targeting structural bottlenecks in Gujranwala’s industrial landscape. The city’s engineering sector was singled out for its export potential, especially in markets across Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Officials proposed a series of sector-specific studies to map constraints and promote innovation in product design.

Special focus was also placed on Gujranwala’s metal and plastic kitchenware industry, which largely operates within the informal economy. TDAP recommended modernising supply chains and pursuing food-grade certifications to meet international standards. As part of this push, the formation of a tripartite committee comprising TDAP, GCCI, and the National Certification Council (NCC) was proposed to facilitate certification processes. GCCI was asked to submit a list of priority certifications to guide support efforts.