On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, a panel consisting of Dr. Manzoor Ahmed, Former Director, World Trade Advisors, and Dr. Muhammad Mujtaba Piracha, Former Ambassador of Pakistan to the WTO delivered a lecture to the participants of 36th SMC on “Trade Policy and Diplomacy: Challenges and Prospects”. The panel discussion led by Dr. Manzoor Ahmed and Dr. Muhammad Mujtaba Piracha focused on the evolving landscape of trade diplomacy in Pakistan. The session began by exploring strategies for trade promotion and facilitation, emphasizing the need for modernizing Pakistan’s trade diplomacy to align with global standards for efficiency.
Dr. Ahmed and Dr. Piracha critically assessed the current trade policy regime, including the National Tariff Policy (NTF), Strategic Trade Policy Framework (STPF), and the Trade Related Investment Policy Framework (TRIPF). They highlighted the importance of linking trade policy with broader macroeconomic fundamentals for sustainable growth.
The role of trade diplomacy in shaping Pakistan’s international relations was discussed, particularly its impact on trade partners and agreements. The experts also examined the country’s engagement with the World Trade Organization (WTO) and Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), and how these platforms influence national trade policies.
Challenges facing Pakistan’s trade diplomacy were analyzed, such as inefficiencies in policy execution, the complexity of negotiating Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs), and the need for stronger regional and bilateral ties. The panel concluded with an outlook on the opportunities for Pakistan to improve its trade relations through reforms and strategic agreements.