Global recession has severely hit our exports and in these conditions young Trade Officers have to play a key role to improve Pakistan’s trade and exports by finding new and unconventional markets. This was said by Mian Shaukat Masud, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) while addressing the trainee Trade Officers at ICCI who will be posted to Pakistan’s Embassies/Missions in different countries after completing their training. He said the phenomenon of militancy and terrorism has badly dented the image of Pakistan in foreign countries and Trade Officers will have to prove their worth for improving Pakistan`s image and reputation as a reliable trading partner and investment friendly country. He said for this purpose, they should develop linkages between Pakistan and countries of their postings to expand and strengthen Pakistan’s economic and trade relations with those countries.

Mian Shaukat Masud stressed upon them never to adopt bureaucratic behavior & approach while serving in foreign countries and act as a bridge between Pakistani and foreign business communities to facilitate them in direct interactions to explore new areas of mutual interest. He suggested that to achieve optimum results from their performance, Trade Officers should be given annual targets and be made accountable for achieving those targets. They should seek out and create opportunities for Pakistan’s exportable items in foreign countries as well as assist Pakistani exporters to exploit these opportunities. They should learn the languages of host countries and share information directly with chambers about pricing, rules & regulations, trade & investment prospects etc in their respective host countries. They should also assist Pakistani businessmen for participation in foreign trade fairs & exhibitions and help them in the settlement of trade disputes. They should act as business hunters for Pakistan instead of sitting in their cozy offices.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Safdar Sohail, Director General, Pakistan Institute of Trade & Development (PITAD) said PITAD was currently organizing an 8-week training program for a batch of 10 Trade Officers before their posting to Pakistan’s Embassies/Missions in different countries. He said PITAD was organizing interactive sessions of these officers with leading Chambers and Trade Bodies of the country with the aim of providing these officers opportunities to gain genuine understanding of the issues and challenges being faced by businesses in Pakistan. He said businessmen should share with these officers information about their trade and export activities so that they could look for exploring more opportunities of common interest for them in their respective countries. He was of the view that with teamwork and joint efforts, Chambers and Trade Officers could better promote Pakistan’s trade and exports with foreign countries.