KARACHI:

Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) Karachi Coordinator and Deputy Manager Afshan Aroos has highlighted the demand for halal product certificate holders in markets such as Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries, urging new exporters to explore the sector.

Delivering a presentation on exports and export fund generation at the National Exporters Training Programme 2024, organised by TDAP Hyderabad, she discussed funding opportunities for exports and pointed out that the State Bank of Pakistan and National Bank of Pakistan had launched several easy loan schemes, including loans of up to Rs5 million at flexible terms for new businesswomen. She stressed the importance of selecting a single market, understanding product HS codes and using proper banking channels to advance exports.

Aroos said TDAP annually organises multiple exhibitions in the areas of engineering, health care, automobile and textile, providing exporters with opportunities to connect with buyers from Asia, Europe and Africa. She said that Pakistan had approximately 17,000 exporters, of which only 1,799 were major exporters.

Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry Acting President Ahmed Idrees Chohan said the chamber had always worked on promoting small and medium-sized enterprises.

He called for holding training sessions for the establishment and growth of new businesses.