# PM Shehbaz approves TDAP overhaul: eight core functions, new board, 12-month roadmap

Source: Searchable (https://searchable.pk/news/economy/pm-shehbaz-approves-tdap-overhaul-eight-core-functions-new-board-12-month)
Type: News article
Author: Searchable Editorial
Published: 6 Nov 2026
Updated: 6 Nov 2026
Retrieved: 6 Nov 2026

> The plan limits the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan to eight functions, adds digital and AI platforms and an independent evaluation; reforms are due by mid-2027.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday, 6 November, approved a plan to modernise the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), the body meant to promote exports. Business Recorder reported that the decision came at a high-level meeting in Islamabad reviewing TDAP's performance and proposed institutional reforms.

## What the plan changes

The meeting was briefed on TDAP's current performance, structure and operational problems, and on a comparison with trade promotion organisations in other countries, which highlighted the need for integrated services: developing local markets, opening access to global markets, strengthening exporters' capacity and promoting exports. The proposed reforms include:

- limiting TDAP's scope to **eight core functions**
- restructuring its board and management
- improving its regional network
- introducing digital platforms and artificial intelligence
- setting measurable performance indicators
- an independent third-party evaluation mechanism

A phased **12-month roadmap** covering approval, design, implementation and independent assessment was presented. Shehbaz directed that the reforms be completed and implemented by the middle of next year.

## Hiring and audit

The prime minister told officials to bring qualified, well-trained professionals into TDAP through a transparent, merit-based process, and said career progression should be linked to performance and achievement of targets. He also ordered a reputable private audit firm to be appointed for the authority's performance and financial audits.

On the wider goal, he stressed expanding access to international markets and called for a comprehensive ecosystem and value chain for agricultural exports. The stated aim is to help local industries, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs), meet export standards.

## Why it matters now

The announcement came on the same day as new trade data. Pakistan's goods exports were $2.93 billion in October, up only 2.8% on the year, while imports rose nearly 12% (see our report on the [October trade deficit](/news/economy/pakistans-trade-deficit-widens-20percent-to-dollar388-billion-in-october-as)). Exporters have long cited high energy tariffs, taxes and expensive financing as the main obstacles, and none of those is addressed by a change to TDAP's structure alone.

For small exporters, the practical question is what changes in services: the report does not give details of which fees or support schemes will change. If you export or freelance, check your tax position with the [freelancer tax calculator](/tools/tax/freelancer-tax-calculator).

## Frequently asked questions

**When will the TDAP reforms be complete?**

The prime minister directed that they be completed and implemented by the middle of next year (2027), following a 12-month roadmap.

## Sources

- PM Shehbaz approves reforms to modernise TDAP, boost Pakistan's exports (Business Recorder): https://www.brecorder.com/news/40447752/pm-shehbaz-approves-reforms-to-modernise-tdap-boost-pakistans-exports

How to cite: "PM Shehbaz approves TDAP overhaul: eight core functions, new board, 12-month roadmap", Searchable, 6 Nov 2026, https://searchable.pk/news/economy/pm-shehbaz-approves-tdap-overhaul-eight-core-functions-new-board-12-month