By Ahmed Khan Malik

 The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) has initiated consultations with exporters and trade stakeholders following a decline in the country’s exports in November. According to provisional trade data, exports witnessed a month-on-month decrease in November, reflecting pressure from slowing global demand, rising input costs and structural constraints faced by export-oriented industries.
The development has prompted TDAP to engage with exporters, trade associations and chambers of commerce to identify key issues affecting export growth and propose policy interventions to reverse the downward trend. Officials at TDAP said that stakeholder feedback would play a critical role in shaping future trade strategies and improving Pakistan’s competitiveness in international markets.

“We are actively seeking input from exporters across sectors to understand the challenges they are facing and to develop practical solutions that can help boost exports in the coming months,” Zulfiqar Ali, Director of TDAP told Wealth Pakistan. Ali noted that Pakistan has opportunities to expand exports through diversification and value addition. He stressed the need to move beyond traditional markets and products by promoting non-traditional exports, including information technology services, engineering goods and processed foods.

As part of its outreach efforts, TDAP plans to hold sector-specific meetings and gather written recommendations from stakeholders. The authority is also reviewing existing trade policies to assess their effectiveness and identify areas requiring reform. Proposed measures include enhanced trade facilitation, streamlined export procedures, and greater participation in international trade fairs and exhibitions.
He called for investment in technology, skill development and infrastructure to improve productivity and reduce production costs. Strengthening supply chains and ensuring policy continuity, they argued, are essential to achieving sustainable export growth.

The government has reiterated its commitment to supporting exporters and improving the overall trade environment. Ali said efforts were underway to stabilize the economy, manage inflation and ensure adequate energy supply to industrial units, all of which are crucial for export recovery. Ali expressed optimism that stakeholder engagement would help formulate a more responsive and effective export strategy. “The objective is not only to address the recent decline but also to build resilience in our export sector,” he said, adding that collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors would be key to restoring momentum. The outcome of these consultations is expected to guide policy decisions aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s export base and improving its performance in the global marketplace.

Credit: INP-WealthPk