INTRODUCTION

Export Promotion Bureau (EPB):

xport Promotion Bureau (EPB) is the primary agency of the Government of Pakistan engaged in promotion and boosting of country's exports. Since its inception in 1963 as an attached department of the Ministry of Commerce, EPB continues to facilitate the exporters in overcoming difficulties faced by them on the supply and demand side of our exports. On the demand side, EPB helps exporters to participate in exhibitions abroad and sends delegations to export markets with a view to explore new markets and develop the traditional markets. On supply side, EPB has established over 32 training institutes and projects in various export sectors to train necessary manpower that can manage the export trade and industry, professionally, meeting the requirements of the export markets. Export promotional activities are carried out in co-ordination with trade bodies at home and Pakistan's trade missions abroad. EPB has its head office in Karachi, which is also the main industrial and commercial center and the major export outlet of the country.

EPBS vision

Providing Leadership, Direction, Pro and Re-active Facilitation, Trade. to an aggressive national drive for maximization of sustainable growth of Pakistan's Foreign

Structure of Organization:

EPB has 9 Divisions:

1. Geographic and Regional Trade Alliances

2. Export Supply Management (Textiles and Agriculture)

3. Export Supply Management -II ( Other than Textile) 4. Quota & Regulatory Management 5. Planning, Policies and International 6. Communications 7. Human Resource ,Finance & Administration 8. Information Technology 9. Skill Development

FUNCTIONS OF EPB:

a) MARKETING

Market Research Fairs and Exhibitions - local and international Trade Delegations Overseas and local publicity Participation in Trade Related Events Expo Centre - Holding of exhibitions Facilitation through trade officers abroad Seminars/Conferences/Workshops

B) COMMUNICATION

Publication of Trade inquiries/opportunities Library Export Intelligence Bulletin Counseling Year Book - Statistics

c) HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

Training Institutes Seminars on ISO 9000 and 14000 TQM Social Sector Concerns Environmental Concerns

d) SERVICE TO EXPORTERS

Export Facilitation committee Resolving problems in exports Simplification of procedures Export procedures handbook Establishing buyer-seller contacts Fax on demand and the Web site Interface with chambers/trade associations Settlements of trade disputes

e) REGULATORY

Formulation of proposals for the Trade Policy Implementation of Trade Policy Textile Quota Management Registration of Importers/Exporters Registration of Export Contracts Determination of Minimum Export Prices Issuance of GSP Certificates

CURRENT EXPORTS SCENARIO OF PAKISTAN:

Current stale of economy of Pakistan does not indicate a very favorable position especially in term of exports, the only pliable solution of the problem seems to be increasing exports and decreasing imports. Exports are engine of growth for any economy. Merchandise exported contributes to the rise in gross national product. The result of growth in exports leads to lower trade deficit and more bobs attributed to exports. Today many firms export occasionally but want exporting plans fully integrated in to their marketing plans. Others export to two or more markets but want to expand into many countries just 15 per cent of the Pakistan exporters account for 85 per cent of the value of the Pakistani manufactured exports. More than half of the Pakistani exporters sell only in one foreign market. Less 3 % of the companies export to more than 5 markets. There is tremendous potential for Pakistan to become more active in exports however export trends narrate another story. Pakistans exports in the year 2001 amounted only to $ 9.14 billion. It was not able to reach the target of $10.1 billion. Japan and European Union which are principal importers of Pakistan, drought like condition in our country, high cost of production etc one of the major problem, which has further deteriorated the condition of Pakistan has not positioned itself as a very reliable country. Moreover if we look at Pakistani exports Pakistan is still relying heavily on textile cotton and related products constitutes around 60 % of our total exports. We export commodities like textiles (garments, cloth and yarn), rice, and other agriculture products; on the contrary we import machinery, petroleum, products, chemicals, transportation equipment, edible oils, grains, pulses and flour. Diversification of export trade should be followed by Pakistani should not rely only on agricultural products but we should broaden our export base. There are mineral products, canned food & software which need to be fully exploited and search of potential market. If we compare Pakistan with India who is exporting assorted products we come to the conclusion that India is exporting variety of products ranging from software to canned food from fashion apparel to satellite programmers.

PAKISTAN EXPORT STRATEGY:

OBJECTIVES:
1. Enhance world market shares: Enhance world market shares of the Core Product Categories via 1.a Increased penetration of our best performing Categories in the top 10 respective countries. 1.b Selectively increase the top penetration of the Core

Product Categories in the Next top 10 countries.

Core Categories Textile Garments Raw Cotton Yarn (All Types) Fabrics Garments Made Ups (Excluding Towel) Towels Art Silk and Synthetic Textiles

Other Core Categories Rice Leather / Products Sports Goods Carpets and Wool Surgical Instruments Petroleum Products

2. Value addition:

Pursue enhancement of manufacturing and marketing capabilities and efficiencies with a view to achieve value addition and increased competitive strength for our Core Product Categories.

3. Export Diversification: Pursue with national alignment and focused resource application, selected Developmental export opportunities where Pakistan currently enjoys, or can achieve, a strong competitive edge. The identified Categories are: Developmental Categories:

Fisheries. Fruit, Vegetables & Wheat. Marble & Granite. Engineering goods. Healthcare

Poultry I.T- Software & Services Gems & Jewelry Chemicals General Services.

4. Geographic Expansion:

Pursue in the less explored Geography, exports of our Core Products Categories and Services and any other, but significant opportunities. The geographic areas identified are:

Africa. Eastern Europe.

South America. Central Asian Republics.

Oceania (Australia/New Zealand).

5. Women Entrepreneurship: To energize the Women Entrepreneurship in support of developing and realizing Pakistan's export capabilities and potential, and enhance overall economic value addition. 6. Traditional partner Countries: Bilateral Trade Enhancement would be achieved with countries where Pakistan traditionally/potentially enjoys close relationships. 7. Leverage International Trade Blocks / Agreements: Enhance market access based on proactive and innovative

management of current or emerging world economic / trading blocks and bilateral trading arrangements.