September 7, 2003	Sunday	Rajab 9, 1424

ISLAMABAD, Sept 6: The overall production growth of 39 Large Scale Manufacturing items was recorded 5.18pc in July 2003 as compared to same period last year.

Out of total 39 items, the production growth of 18 items has increased while 21 items has decreased due to various reasons, sources said.

The production of cigarettes during July 2003 has increased by 9.55pc, cotton yarn 1.32pc, cotton cloth 24.28pc, cotton cloth (non-mill sector) 2.50pc, jute goods 17.20pc, printing papers 49.45pc, writing paper 5.95pc, packing paper 2.15pc, chip board 7.78pc, soda ash 1.05pc, caustic soda 2.82pc, sodium phosphate fertilizer 49.42pc, cement 12.53pc, bicycles 7.35pc, motor tyres 6.38pc, coke (steel) 13.72pc, iron and steel products 8.32pc, cars 47.46pc, light commercial vehicles 1.63pc, trucks 30.56pc, and motorcycles 57.53pc.

According to official figures, the production of fertilizer sector fell by 3.32pc during July 2003 due to un-operational of urea, ammonium nitrate and nitro-phosphate plants of National Fertilizer Corporation for some time for scheduled maintenance.

The production of sheet glass is recorded 7.33pc low. The production of motor tubes was also low by 15pc.

The production of jeeps, buses and tractors was also recorded low by 9.09pc, 40.59pc and 13.61pc, respectively. The production of cast/rolled billets, cr. coils and galvanized products was also fell down in July 2003.—APP