KARACHI: President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), Abdullah Zaki has requested the government of Myanmar to defer the recent ban on exports of logs for a period of three months.
In a letter issued to President of Union of Myanmar, Thein Sein and other concerned authorities including Pakistan’s Embassy in Myanmar, Abdullah Zaki said that the ban on exports of logs from Myanmar has become effective from April 2014, resulting in intensifying the hardships of teak and hardwood logs importers in Pakistan who have been regularly importing this essential raw material since last five decades.
He said that many of KCCI members expressed deep concern over Myanmar government’s decision to impose ban on Logs exports and asked KCCI to assist them in convincing the government of Myanmar so that this ban could be deferred at least for a period of three months in order to give some breathing space to Pakistani importers who are unable to cater to local demand.
“A favorable response from the government of Myanmar, in this regard, will enable Pakistani importers to ensure uninterrupted supplies to local markets and also explore other sources around the world for importing similar teak and hardwood logs”, Abdullah Zaki said.
“While we fully respect Myanmar government’s decision to impose ban on logs exports but I strongly feel that keeping in view the strong friendly ties between the two countries, they should give some relief for Pakistani importers”, he added.
President KCCI mentioned that the concerned importers were pretty much upset due to the said ban which is likely to affect the furniture, boat and plywood industry of Pakistan.
Keeping in view the friendly relations and improved trade ties between Pakistan and Myanmar, President KCCI hoped that government of Myanmar soon announces a favorable decision by realizing the hardships being faced Pakistani importers. He also assured KCCI’s full support and cooperation towards resolving this pressing issue.
