Pakistan approves 12-month TDAP reform plan, completion due by mid-2027

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved a restructuring plan for the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) at a meeting in Islamabad on 6 November 2026, directing officials to complete and implement the reforms by the middle of 2027. The plan is intended to improve overseas market access for Pakistani products and help domestic industries, including small and medium-sized enterprises, meet export standards.

Officials presented a 12-month roadmap spanning approval, design, execution and independent assessment. Proposals include limiting TDAP’s responsibilities to eight core functions, changing its board and management structure, expanding its regional network, and adding digital platforms and artificial intelligence to its operations.

The proposals also include measurable performance indicators and third-party evaluations. Sharif called for qualified staff to be hired through a transparent, merit-based process, with career progression linked to targets and performance. He also directed TDAP to engage a private audit firm for performance and financial audits.

The meeting also considered an export ecosystem covering the full agricultural value chain. The broader reform proposals followed a review of TDAP’s structure and performance, alongside an assessment of trade promotion organisations in other countries.