Karachi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) President Junaid Naqi briefed Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) Secretary Shariar Taj on an upcoming exhibition in Karachi from November 25-27, featuring over 200 firms. Taj outlined TDAP’s strategy for promoting Pakistani goods globally, emphasizing efforts to explore new markets and enhance competitiveness through single-country exhibitions in various nations under the Strategic Trade Policy Framework (STPF). These exhibitions aim to introduce Pakistani products to new consumers. Taj reiterated TDAP’s commitment to resolving Export Development Fund (EDF) issues and pledged full support for KATI’s overseas exhibitions, trade activities, and promotional events.

Taj stated that addressing exporter woes and removing trade barriers are top TDAP priorities. Commercial attachés in Pakistani diplomatic missions worldwide are actively promoting Pakistani goods. Taj encouraged exporters to meet global standards, adhere to international laws, and participate in international exhibitions, for which TDAP provides support. He highlighted TDAP’s guidance to exporters participating in exhibitions in Ethiopia and other countries. Over 200 firms are participating in an upcoming Karachi exhibition from November 25-27. Government-level efforts are underway to enhance exporters’ access to the vast African market.

Naqi lamented the lack of banking links with African countries, causing foreign businesses to import cheaper goods from Pakistan via Dubai and resell them to Africa at higher prices – a missed opportunity for Pakistani exporters. He stressed the need for greater support from Pakistani embassies and highlighted trade imbalances in existing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), where Pakistan primarily imports goods. He urged TDAP to play a more proactive role in promoting overseas sales. KATI’s Deputy Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya criticized the EDF’s underutilization for development projects, citing Karachi’s dilapidated infrastructure. He emphasized the crucial role of manufacturing development and exports for financial growth and called for stronger KATI-TDAP collaboration.

Chhaya acknowledged the STPF’s role in export expansion but advocated for greater support in employing youth in technology and innovation, especially IT. He also advocated for supporting SME exports and utilizing a 50% tariff on India. Further, he suggested improving the marketing of Pakistani goods like leather and rice in the US market. Other KATI representatives, including Ejaz Sheikh, Gulzar Firoz, Muslim Mohammadi, Shahid Ghori, and Farooq Afzal, also addressed the meeting.