ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Commerce asked the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan on Monday to keep different sectors updated about the demands and trends in countries across the globe in order to ensure effective follow-up and action.

The committee highlighted areas that need improvement in TDAP`s operations, including facilitationoftradeleadsgeneratedfromTradeInformation Office (TIO). The Chief Executive of TDAP, Faiz Ahmed, was present at the briefing.

Senator Ansuha Rehman, who heads the committee, emphasised the importance of better communication and support to sectors involved in export activities.

The committee was informed that 10 new trade missions were created for posting in Pakistani High Commissions abroad to promote products. Missions are functioning in Athens (Greece), Chengdu (China), Baghdad, Singapore, Budapest (Hungary), Beijing, Muscat (Oman), Daressalam (Tanzania), Maputo (Mozambique) and Kuwait.

The TDAP officials informed the Senate body that the authority`s promotional activities have borne fruit with expos such as Food Expo, Texpo, and EHCS generating a business worth $2.42 billion last year.

TDAP participated in 44 expos this year.

Anusha Rehman said the pharmaceutical sector had called for the establishment of a `Pharma Excel` initiative, adding TDAP should consider establishing a sectoral department for pharmaceuticals, including APIs and neutorceuticals.-Mubarak Zeb Khan