KARACHI (Special Correspondent) – The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) jointly hosted the exclusive physical inaugural launch session of the Preferential Trade Access Database (PTAD) at FPCCI Head Office, Federation House, Karachi, on 4 November 2026. The newly introduced platform aims to provide comprehensive information on Pakistan’s preferential market access worldwide to empower local exporters, manufacturers, and international buyers.

Key Points

• TDAP and FPCCI jointly inaugurated the Preferential Trade Access Database at Federation House in Karachi.
• The PTAD delivers structured trade intelligence covering 29 Preferential Trade Arrangements across 95 countries.
• Users can search products by HS Code or description to review tariff advantages and Rules of Origin.
• The platform incorporates updated insights on the recent Pakistan-Uzbekistan PTA expansion.

Empowering Exporters with Global Trade Intelligence

Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President FPCCI, maintained that the PTAD is marked as an institutional milestone in global market access. He added that the initiative is designed to provide comprehensive information on Pakistan’s preferential market access worldwide, directly empowering local exporters, importers, manufacturers, and international buyers with actionable trade intelligence to drive export growth and connect Pakistan to global opportunities. Similar initiatives align with efforts by institutions such as the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry to enhance international commerce and export capabilities.

Mr. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon apprised that, during the inaugural session, stakeholders and trade representatives were briefed on the core capabilities of the newly launched database. The PTAD delivers structured access intelligence covering 29 Preferential Trade Arrangements and maps markets for opportunity across 95 countries.

Navigating Tariffs and Rules of Origin

Mr. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon highlighted that, to provide clarity for export decisions and practical guidance for compliance, the database details tariff advantages, Rules of Origin, and documentation requirements. Additionally, users can conduct product searches by HS Code or description to find relevant access pathways, while benefiting from updated insights on the Pakistan-Uzbekistan PTA expansion, which brings new momentum to regional trade.

Mr. Abdul Karim Memon, DG TDAP, stressed that the launch of the Preferential Trade Access Database (PTAD) marks an institutional milestone in global market access for Pakistan. He noted that for too long, domestic exporters and manufacturers have underutilized existing trade agreements simply due to a lack of consolidated information. By mapping 29 Preferential Trade Arrangements across 95 countries into a single platform, the business community is empowered to maximize tariff advantages and drive sustainable export growth.

Bridging the Information Gap for Pakistani Businesses

Mr. Abdul Karim Memon underscored that TDAP’s core mission is connecting Pakistan to opportunity, and this joint initiative with FPCCI puts vital market intelligence directly into the hands of exporters, manufacturers, and international buyers. By bridging the information gap on preferential market access worldwide, the PTAD will streamline export decision-making, enhance regulatory compliance, and help Pakistani products compete more effectively across 95 international markets.

The FPCCI maintains that, with PTAD, the country’s exporters, importers, and manufacturers can effortlessly search products by HS Code or description to find relevant access pathways, understand complex Rules of Origin, and meet documentation requirements with practical guidance for compliance. Furthermore, the integration of the Pakistan-Uzbekistan PTA expansion brings vital new momentum to regional trade ambitions.

The event concluded with a shared commitment from both the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) to continue advancing their joint vision of trade intelligence, market access, and export growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Preferential Trade Access Database?

The PTAD is a landmark initiative launched jointly by TDAP and FPCCI to provide comprehensive information on Pakistan’s preferential market access worldwide, covering 29 Preferential Trade Arrangements across 95 countries.

How does the PTAD help Pakistani exporters?

It empowers exporters, importers, and manufacturers by providing actionable trade intelligence, tariff advantages, Rules of Origin, documentation requirements, and product searches by HS Code or description.

Which international trade arrangements are included?

The database delivers structured access intelligence covering 29 Preferential Trade Arrangements across 95 countries, including updated insights on the Pakistan-Uzbekistan PTA expansion.