SIALKOT, Nov 17: The soccer ball manufacturers and exporters are in dire need of the advanced manufacturing technology to meet the global challenges.

Pakistan Sports Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PSGMEA) chairman Prof Sheikh Safdar Sandal said this while talking to reporters at the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry here on Friday.

The PSGMEA chairman urged the government to announce the increase in the research and development funds for boosting the sports goods industry.

He urged the federal government to make solid efforts for pulling out the export-oriented soccer ball industry from the present crisis.

He also demanded a special package of incentives for this industry.

The business community, he said, should be involved in the modernization of the industry as the production trend had changed from hand stitching to the mechanized soccer balls.