TDAP Overhaul: Time to Move Beyond Trade Fairs and Deliver Export Results

Mettis Global says the Prime Minister’s proposed overhaul of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) would introduce professional recruitment, performance-linked career progression, independent audits and eight core functions. The plan also includes stronger regional offices, digital tools and artificial intelligence, while a 12-month roadmap is expected to set milestones and review progress.

The article notes that earlier restructuring efforts, including initiatives in 2018-19 and 2024-25, have not produced lasting institutional change. TDAP’s role already includes market research, exhibitions, exporter training and support for small businesses, but the writer argues that success should be judged by export orders and repeat business rather than events held. Four exhibitions in 2024 and 2025 reportedly generated US$3.364 billion in estimated opportunities, of which US$312 million had materialized and US$675 million was still in process.

The government’s URAAN Pakistan plan targets annual exports of US$60 billion by 2029 and US$100 billion by 2035. The analysis calls for stronger exporter services, transparent performance measures and coordination with commercial missions, while noting that wider economic constraints also affect export growth.