According to the Bank’s website, the TA will undertake research and policy analysis for an improved understanding of which policies work best in Pakistan's context, including scenario analysis of potential trade reforms on economic growth. Preliminary findings of the thematic papers, policy briefs, and case studies, written by international and national trade and macroeconomic experts, will be presented in various knowledge events, including round-table forums, conferences and consultative workshops around themes of revenue generation, employment generation, export led-growth and others. The TA will promote capacity building across sovereign and non-sovereign operations and PPPs, and support collaboration and dialogue between public policy makers and private stakeholders.

Effective implementation of trade policies and timely redressal of institutional imbalances will be crucial for Pakistan to sustain economic growth in the long run. Trade has consistently underpinned growth, increased prosperity, and lifted millions out of poverty across Asia. In Pakistan, annual exports have declined by 28.9% from fiscal year (FY) 2015 to FY2023. This can been attributed to various factors, including a global decline in demand (particularly from Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America), heightened inflation resulting from increased energy costs, monetary tightening measures, and the phasing out of fiscal stimulus programs implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. The TA aims to support the GOP's efforts in addressing these challenges through supporting capacity building and institutional development, promoting greater design and implementation of sovereign and non-sovereign operations as well as public-private partnerships (PPPs), strong coordination among stakeholders, and policy recommendations aimed at effective implementation.

The TA financing amount is $225,000, which will be financed on a grant basis by ADB’s Technical Assistance Special Fund.

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