Pakistan Mart to give exporters global access

Express Tribune

3 days ago

The Pakistan Mart project is emerging as a promising initiative that aims to transform the country's export landscape by providing a modern platform for showcasing and selling Pakistani products to the world.
Described as a potential game-changer by Major General Farrukh Shehzad, Director General of the National Logistics Cell (NLC), the project is being jointly developed by NLC and DP World and will be based in Dubai, a central hub of international trade.
Speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI), Shehzad said that Pakistan Mart will offer exporters direct access to international buyers by eliminating middlemen and providing a state-of-the-art trading and display facility in the heart of Dubai's commercial zone. He emphasised that the goal is to enhance the visibility and market reach of Pakistani goods, particularly those produced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs), across multiple regions including the Middle East, Africa, South America, and beyond.
"The Pakistan Mart will serve as a high-end commercial gateway that not only connects exporters with international markets but also helps establish and promote the 'Made in Pakistan' brand globally," said the DG NLC. He noted that the facility would provide modern logistics, warehousing, and display infrastructure to meet the expectations of global buyers and investors, thereby ensuring a more efficient and credible representation of Pakistani products abroad.
The idea of Pakistan Mart is to support Pakistani businesses by creating a one-stop export hub that helps them navigate the complexities of global trade more easily. With many Pakistani exporters struggling to access foreign markets due to logistical hurdles, lack of representation, and high commission fees paid to intermediaries, the launch of this project comes at a much-needed time. It offers the opportunity to level the playing field, especially for small-scale producers who often lack the resources to market their goods internationally.
LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad endorsed the project, calling it a timely and much-needed step to support Pakistani exporters. "Such initiatives are the need of the hour to provide Pakistani industrialists and exporters with world-class facilities. Pakistan Mart can serve as a global launching pad for our small and medium enterprises," he remarked. He also expressed hope that the project will strengthen the national economy and improve Pakistan's image internationally. Beyond creating trade opportunities, the Pakistan Mart is also expected to contribute to the country's foreign exchange reserves by increasing export volumes and reducing dependence on import-led trade models. Experts believe that if implemented efficiently, the project could generate substantial economic activity, especially in key export sectors like textiles, sports goods, surgical instruments, leather, and agricultural products.
Moreover, the visibility of Pakistani products in a high-profile commercial location like Dubai could attract international investors to explore joint ventures or sourcing agreements. The potential ripple effect on job creation, skills development, and industrial growth within Pakistan makes the initiative a long-term strategic investment.
The chamber has also committed to playing an active role in promoting the project among the business community. LCCI Vice President Shahid Nazir Chaudhry stated that the chamber, in collaboration with NLC, plans to organise awareness sessions for exporters to inform them about the benefits of Pakistan Mart and guide them on how to participate. By combining public-sector leadership with private-sector efficiency, the project reflects a growing recognition of the need for innovation in trade facilitation. While much depends on its execution, the foundation laid by NLC and DP World is a significant step toward reshaping how Pakistan engages with the global marketplace, he added.