EDF Board Approves 20 Proposals Worth Rs. 8.5 Billion for Export Growth

The Export Development Fund (EDF) Board has approved 20 out of 29 financial proposals worth over Rs. 8.5 billion for sectors including textile, food and agriculture, gems and jewelry, and the defense industry. The Board at its recent meeting greenlit funding for Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, as part of Pakistan’s international branding efforts. During the meeting, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan emphasized the EDF’s potential to enhance Pakistan’s exports by channeling funds into research and development, technology upgrades, compliance with global standards, and enhanced marketing and branding strategies. The Board was also updated on recent reforms, including the EDF’s status as an autonomous body and the digitization of revenue collection through the State Bank of Pakistan and the Pakistan Single Window (PSW). The Board further approved funding for projects for boosting international marketing efforts including exhibitions like Texpo 2025, IDEAS, and a Gems & Jewellery Show. Additionally, the Board sanctioned funding for research and technology development projects, such as the opening of International Technology Promotion Offices with UNIDO’s assistance and the creation of a Disease Diagnostic Research Centre for mangoes at Sindh Agriculture University. It also approved the establishment of Solar Tunnel Dryers for exporting dried chilies and the completion of the first Expo Centre in Peshawar.