LAHORE: Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PCMEA) suggested proposals of establishing an authority comprising focal persons of export sectors, foreign embassies, State Bank of Pakistan and related departments to remove barriers to exports, explore new markets, accessing them and effective advertising and marketing. “It is very difficult for a country of 25 crore population to run with the current volume of exports, government patronage along with a long-term policy to promote exports is also inevitable.” Usman Ashraf said that the government, through the Facilitation Council, is trying to remove the red tape in the way of foreign investment and Pakistan’s export sectors also require the same attitude and behavior, unless the problems are resolved, the promotion of exports is not possible. “Regarding what policy is being made for the promotion of exports in the future, the relevant stakeholders should be taken into confidence so that such a policy draft can be prepared which can yield positive results,” he added. He further said that the exporters are suffering mental agony and pressure due to fluctuation of the dollar, cost of production is increasing due to expensive labor and other reasons. “The recently held International Expo is likely to lead to large-scale export deals, but due to the continued depreciation of the dollar, exporters are reluctant to sign contracts,” he maintained. He said that at present there is a very tough competition in the world in terms of quality and prices, in terms of quality, Pakistan’s hand-made carpets have a unique identity, but due to the cost of production and freight costs, we are out of the competition. DNA
“The government is requested to keep the dollar at a level so that the reputation of Pakistani exporters in terms of contracts is not affected,” he concluded.
