The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) has conducted a two-day virtual capacity-building training for help desk officials working at chambers of commerce and industry, focusing on export procedures, trade information systems and digital tools that can support businesses seeking access to international markets. The training, held on October 12 and 13, 2026, covered trade facilitation processes, export documentation, market research resources and the use of digital platforms to help businesses navigate export-related requirements.
The programme included an overview of the Annual Business Plan (ABP) 2026–27 and guidance on business and export procedures. Participants were introduced to systems and resources used to access trade-related information, including data from the Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL), Pakistan Single Window (PSW) and TDAP. These platforms and information sources can help trade support officials respond to business enquiries and guide exporters towards relevant procedures, documentation and market information. The session also covered the Registered Exporter (REX) system and the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP), which are relevant to exporters seeking to understand preferential market-access arrangements and applicable requirements. Digital trade information tools formed another part of the training, with participants introduced to the International Trade Centre’s Trade Map platform for analysing trade flows and identifying potential export markets. Access to reliable trade data can help businesses assess demand, examine competing suppliers and identify countries where their products may have commercial potential. For chambers of commerce, these resources can also support more informed responses to members seeking guidance on export opportunities, product markets and international trade conditions.
The training also addressed tariffs, market-access requirements, foreign buyer identification and the PTAD pilot project. Officials were briefed on the Help Desk Dashboard, which is intended to support the handling of business enquiries and the organisation of trade-related information. Digital dashboards and shared information systems can make it easier for help desks to track requests, maintain records and direct businesses towards the appropriate resources. However, the authority did not disclose specific performance targets or quantified outcomes from the training in the announcement. For Pakistan’s exporters, access to accurate information and timely guidance can be particularly important when entering unfamiliar markets or dealing with documentation and regulatory requirements. Small and medium-sized enterprises may have limited resources for conducting international market research or understanding export procedures independently. Trade facilitation services that connect businesses with digital information tools can help reduce information gaps and make export support more accessible.
The initiative highlights TDAP’s role in improving the capacity of trade support institutions through training on digital resources and export-related processes. While the programme was primarily focused on capacity building rather than launching a new financial or e-commerce service, its emphasis on PSW, trade data and digital information systems makes it relevant to the wider development of digital trade in Pakistan. The longer-term value will depend on how effectively participating help desks apply the tools and knowledge to support businesses seeking to expand their presence in international markets.
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