By Ahmed Khan
Pakistan’s top trade body is launching a detailed study to find out why the country’s industries struggle to compete globally — and what can be done to fix it. This new effort aims to support a stronger Pakistan export strategy and identify the barriers holding back industrial growth.
The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) will soon begin a large-scale “sectoral needs assessment” to examine the challenges facing key export industries and to recommend realistic ways to improve Pakistan’s export performance.
TDAP officials say the study will look at gaps and opportunities in major industries such as textiles, leather, engineering goods, agro-food, and gems and jewelry.
It will also find out what each sector needs in terms of training, technology, policy help, and infrastructure to perform better in international markets.
Identifying Barriers to Export Growth
“The goal is to figure out what’s stopping our industries from reaching their full export potential,” a TDAP official told this reporter. “Once we identify the problems, we can guide policy decisions based on facts, not assumptions.”
Pakistan still depends heavily on textiles, which make up more than 60 percent of its export earnings. The new study aims to help the government find fresh areas for growth so that the country isn’t stuck relying on the same industries year after year.
Understanding Supply and Demand Challenges
Farhan Raza, TDAP’s Executive Director for Trade Facilitation, said the research will cover both supply-side and demand-side factors.
That means it will look into local challenges like access to energy, skilled workers, and raw materials, as well as global trends such as buyer demands and quality standards.
Raza explained that the findings will shape a national roadmap for making industries more competitive and boosting untapped export potential.
“We plan to use real-time industrial data and work closely with businesses and policymakers to connect research with practical action,” he said.
Collaboration Between Industries and Policymakers
The process will involve meetings with industry associations, exporters, provincial departments, and research groups. The results will be combined into a detailed report expected by mid-2026.
This report will help guide future trade actions in coordination with the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Industries and Production, and other government bodies.
Raza also said that international experts and trade organizations will be part of the process to make sure Pakistan’s export framework matches global standards.
Through this effort, TDAP hopes to identify high-potential export sectors, remove bureaucratic hurdles, improve quality standards, and connect local industries to global supply chains. The study will also aim to ensure that public resources are used more efficiently to support exporters.
A Step Toward Modernizing Pakistan’s Export System
“This study will give policymakers a factual foundation for future trade programs. Our next steps will now be based on data rather than guesswork,” said another TDAP official.
While experts have praised the move, many say that carrying out the recommendations will be the toughest part. Pakistan still lacks reliable industrial data, research capacity, and coordination between institutions — all factors that could slow progress.
Even so, Masood Naqi, a member of the Federal B. Area Association, called the assessment “a much-needed step toward modernizing Pakistan’s export strategy.”
He added that the initiative marks a major change in TDAP’s approach — from simple export promotion to a research-driven, strategic model. “If done well, this could help Pakistan expand its exports, improve product quality, and gain a stronger position in global markets,” Naqi said.
Author Profile
-
Ahmed Khan is a business journalist who specializes in Pakistan’s financial markets, corporate earnings, and economic policy.
With a keen eye for market trends and investor behavior, he breaks down complex financial developments into clear, insightful stories for everyday readers.
