Visa issues hindering traders’ participation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) exhibition have been resolved due to proactive measures by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), according to a press statement released on Friday.

Faiz Ahmed, Chief Executive of TDAP, shared the update while speaking at a meeting at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad, Vice President Shahid Nazir Chaudhry, and DG TDAP Rafia Syed were also present at the event, alongside LCCI Executive Committee members Ahsan Shahid, Syed Salman Ali, Karamat Ali Awan, Shouban Akhter, Waqas Aslam, Irfan Qureshi, and Asif Malik.

Ahmed informed attendees that TDAP had successfully organised trade exhibitions in Saudi Arabia and is planning another one in Ethiopia soon. He urged LCCI members to actively engage in these trade initiatives.

To strengthen trade diplomacy, Ahmed announced that Pakistani commercial counsellors and consuls generals abroad have been re-designated as Trade and Investment Officers, with their performance now under quarterly review. Inefficient officers may face recalls if necessary.

Highlighting the need for value addition in exports, the TDAP chief pointed out that despite being one of the world’s top ten producers of mangoes and guavas, Pakistan has not fully leveraged its potential due to limited processing facilities. He noted that the country only has two mango pulp processing plants.

He stressed the importance of diversifying into non-traditional export sectors. To this end, TDAP has allocated 10% of the Export Development Fund for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and another 10% specifically for women entrepreneurs. Citing examples of successful global brands emerging from the SME sector, he encouraged Pakistan to adopt a similar approach.

The TDAP official also highlighted that stable and predictable trade policies are key to long-term business growth. Rising industrial production costs remain a significant barrier to increasing exports, and he called for measures to lower these expenses.

He also praised Pakistan’s vast untapped mineral and metal resources, which, if fully utilised, could bring in billions in foreign exchange. He assured LCCI members that TDAP is working to restore the zero-rating facility on local yarn in the upcoming budget to support textile exports.

LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad highlighted the importance of strong marketing strategies to drive export growth. He urged the government to shift focus from raw material exports to value-added products.

He explained that the export of raw materials is causing billions of dollars in losses to the national economy. For example, Pakistan exports salt to India at extremely low rates, which India processes and re-exports for significant profits. Similarly, gypsum is exported to India at just $17 per tonne, while its freight cost is $15 per tonne. He recommended either banning gypsum exports or setting a minimum price of $50 per tonne to ensure fair profitability.

Shad also explained that exporting various Pakistani products in raw form is costing the country billions. He urged the nation to shift its focus towards value-added products.

The LCCI president also mentioned the significant potential of the automobile sector, noting that locally manufactured vehicles could drastically reduce Pakistan’s import bill and boost foreign exchange earnings.

In the call for policy continuity, Shad pointed out that rising business costs, expensive energy, and the lack of long-term policies have been major hurdles to export growth. He noted that 68% of Pakistan’s exports come from just three sectors — textiles, leather, and rice — while sectors like Halal food, pharmaceuticals, IT, engineering, surgical instruments, and sports goods hold untapped potential.

LCCI Vice President Shahid Nazir Chaudhry observed that Pakistan’s trade share remains minimal in major global markets. He urged TDAP to help Pakistani exhibitors participate in key trade fairs scheduled for 2025 and 2026.

Finally, Shad raised concerns about delays in visa issuance for Pakistani exporters. He mentioned that more than 20 LCCI-affiliated companies had booked stalls for an exhibition in Dubai but faced difficulties obtaining visas. He urged TDAP to work closely with embassies and trade missions to ensure smoother participation for Pakistani businesses in international trade events.