Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan informed the National Assembly that the ministry was in the final stages of hiring a company for branding and promoting various Pakistani products abroad, especially in new markets, under the commerce marketing and branding mechanism. During the Question Hour, the minister mentioned that around 20 foreign chefs who participated in the recent food exhibition in Karachi appreciated the promotion of Pakistani mangoes. He highlighted a sharp increase in mango exports and noted visible differences in value addition. He also mentioned that Pakistani mangoes were marketed across the world as part of a “mango diplomacy” this year. For the first time, all Pakistani missions organized special one or two-day events featuring mangoes diplomacy. Additionally, he informed that Pakistani missions invited 100-300 people, including ambassadors, to these events to promote Pakistani mangoes and mango products.
The minister also addressed the potential of various varieties of dates in Pakistan, particularly in Khairpur and other areas, including Balochistan. He mentioned a plan by the Horticulture Department to reach out to farmers in order to enhance the value addition of various products, including dates, and ensure international compliance.
Jam Kamal highlighted the remarkable work done by the Trade Development Authority in the agricultural sector, especially in trade diplomacy, over the last 8-9 months. He mentioned that a food exhibition in Karachi saw participation from over 850 delegates, with 150 delegates from European countries, China, South America, Germany, and Africa. Approximately 6000 business-to-business (B2B) agreements were signed during the exhibition.
Regarding trade with Germany, he mentioned initiatives to enhance trade and the visit of the German Trade Minister to Pakistan. The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) organized eleven successful trade fairs in Germany during the FY 2023-24, and planned nine international exhibitions and two outgoing delegations for B2B engagements in Germany. TDAP regularly conducts webinars and seminars for market awareness.
The minister also mentioned that meetings were arranged between the German International Chamber and the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In response to the GSP Plus status, he discussed the establishment of a Secretariat of the National Compliance Centre to address emerging challenges, especially in the textile sector. He explained that this mechanism aims to address concerns of the European Parliament regarding human rights, right to information, and other international compliance. He assured that the ministry was engaged with all stakeholders, including provinces, and that they were all on the same page.
