Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) has been criticised for not building country''s image in international trade fairs and exhibitions and wasting export development funds.
Tariq Sayeed, former President Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) on Saturday said that the TDAP has been participating in international trade fairs and solo exhibition through EDF, which was wasted in these ventures.
He said that solo exhibition in Morocco was the latest example of poor performance of the authority, which required a thorough inquiry. He said that business community was expecting a positive change from Tariq Ikram, Minister of State, who made serious efforts in this regard.
But the authority was at the mercy of non-professional staff working independently and wasting EDF. Sayeed said that FPCCI had submitted several proposals to TDAP for improvements in Pakistan''s participation in trade fairs and exhibition but the authority did not consider any suggestion.
The apex trade body suggested the TDAP to allocate all general trade fairs and exhibitions and solo exhibitions, where spot sales were allowed to trade bodies, including FPCCI.
It was also recommended for creating transparency in selection process but the advice was also not heeded, Sayeed said. He criticised the policy of TDAP for unilateral decision for selection of parties, which had caused great concern amongst the leading exporters and manufacturers, who were deprived of their rights.
Former FPCCI president said that TDAP violated its own rules and regulations by participating in general trade fairs and exhibitions and solo exhibitions spending huge amount from EDF.
He declared that solo exhibitions organised by the authority were failed despite the fact that the authority had spent huge amount but never disclosed the amount spent on construction and decoration of pavilion and stalls and TA/DA of the officials of TDAP.
He suggested that the authority should published details of expenses, contribution made in exports by fairs and exhibitions and reports on participation in previous exhibitions before taking any decision.
"TDAP gives 100 percent subsidy on its projects on the other hand chambers of commerce and industry organise participation on self-finance basis, which is difficult task," he said and suggested that there must be provided level playing field for all stakeholders.
"It is time to evaluate the last seven years of General Pervez Musharraf government, what has been the outcome in terms of promoting exports in such countries where Pakistan has participated in exhibition both organised by EPB/TDAP as well as trade bodies of the country," Sayeed said.
He suggested Humayun Akhter Khan, Federal Commerce Minister and Tariq Ikram to hold a high level meeting inviting representatives of trade bodies to discuss key issues and form a policy in the larger national interest.
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