April 12, 2019: Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) Chief Executive Mian Kashif Ashfaq on Friday lauding the economic policies of Prime Minister Imran Khan urged for chalking out an aggressive export policy that gives more relaxation and friendly environment to exporters especially in textile and furniture sector.
He expressed these views while talking to media during his visit to TEXPO, 2019 exhibition as guest of honour being held at Expo Center today,” said a press release.
He said it was good omen that the textile industry exports was likely to cross US $ 15 billion mark and this would likely be a record achievement of textile exports in such a short span of time.
He demanded a fast track establishment of Integrated Textile and Apparel Parks enabling plug and play facilities for local and foreign investors.
Mian Kashif said currently, the textile sector was the country's largest industry in terms of exports, exporting US $ 14 billion worth of goods annually. The second largest segment is rice, which generates US $ 2 billion through exports, but Pakistan's furniture exports stand at a meager US $ 51 million.
He said if the government extended its support to furniture companies, the volume of export could touch the figure of US $ 5 billion for the next five years.
He urged the government for focus on skill development programmes for the export-oriented industries with a view to promoting the country’s value-added sectors.
He said liberal visa regime would help the textile and furniture industry to introduce their innovative and latest designs to foreigners visiting Pakistan and exhibitions in this regard would be very fruitful.
He said the variety and traditional expertise of woodworkers and craftsmen has a huge potential for exports, and could cater not only to local market but also to the wealthy looking for unique furniture items at international market,” he added.
Mian Kashif said there is a need to devise a comprehensive strategy to promote the industry on commercial basis which would not only support the manufactures but also increase our export across the world.
He said good working environment would enhance the capacity of our workers enabling them to compete internationally. He further said foreign companies have shown keen interest in Pakistani market.
He urged the Pakistani businessmen to start joint ventures with their foreign counterparts.
(APP)
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