LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Industries Muhammad Shafique has said that the government is resolved to upgrade fare of Pakistan’s high quality rugs and floor coverings the whole way across the world, as this area can assume an essential part in raising the nation’s financial development and its delicate picture.
He said this at the inaugural ceremony of the 34th three-day Pakistan hand-knotted carpet exhibition 2016 jointly organised by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PCMEA) on Thursday.
According to the planners, the carpet exhibition could help put the economy back on track because fairs were the key to exhibiting the untapped potential of Pakistan as well as for introducing local products in the world market.
“Pakistan has to make an extra effort to promote exports by arranging trade fairs and exhibitions,” Safique emphasised. “It will accelerate trade and investments, while also boost the declining tourism sector.”
Shafique acknowledged the role of the hand-knotted industry in job creation and strengthening the economy and said that the government would support the industry as hundreds of thousands of people were attached to it.
Exhibition chief organiser Major Akhtar Nazir Cooki urged the government to organise such events regularly as they would not only help Pakistan in accelerating trade and investment but would also boost the declining tourism sector. China, Dubai and Germany are classic examples of well-organised international trade fairs, where businessmen from all over the world converge.
PCMEA Chairman Usman Ghani observed that the country’s carpet exports to Europe and China have declined by more than 50%. However, the loss could be compensated by increasing volume of exports to China, where the handmade product has been in great demand.
Calling for special initiatives from the government, he demanded that the carpet industry should be patronised to enable it to open warehouses and retail outlets in China and other countries.
PCMEA Vice Chairman Chaudhry Riaz said that in order to strengthen the efforts to promote Pakistan’s cultural heritage and indigenous industries, the government must allocate substantial amount from its Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). A large number of buyers from across the world were expected to visit the mega exhibition where over 62 national manufacturers displayed their products.
