LAHORE, Jan 28: The possibility of starting barter trade with D-8 countries, having weaker banking and financial system, is being explored.

The proposition was particularly discussed with Iran and Nigeria during the recently concluded D-8 Summit, said Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) Chief Executive Abid Javaid Akbar at a meeting at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Monday.

He said that Pakistan’s exports could go up to $50 billion in coming years as the TDAP has adopted a focused approach on the basis of wealth of information it is receiving from 45 Pakistani missions abroad.

The government was alive to the issues and challenges being faced by the business community and taking necessary measures to overcome the same.

The TDAP has been working on creating awareness among the businessmen about right market places in the world.

“The TDAP is a facilitator and will extend maximum facilitation to the entrepreneurs who are the torchbearers and need all the encouragement. It is ready to work on LCCI proposals regarding holding of exhibition at Lahore Expo Centre and patronising Chamber’s delegations to various global destinations.

LCCI President Farooq Iftikhar stressed the need for greater efforts to focus on image building of the country abroad. “The government should revisit FTAs and PTAs as we have somewhat failed to greatly benefit compared to our counterparts,” said Mr Iftikhar.

LCCI Senior Vice-President Irfan Iqbal Sheikh said that with regard to awarding MFN status to India and adequately dealing with its possible consequences, the TDAP needed to make serious efforts.