May 21, 2008	Wednesday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 15, 1429

KARACHI, May 20: The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry has underlined the need for diversification of exports to get more share in regional and international markets.

Talking to APP chairman KCCI committee on Exports Shariq Vohra suggested that Pakistan should enter varied potential markets to boost its exports rather than confining to the traditional goods like textiles.

“We can also export huge quantity of vegetable, fruit, and seafood,” he said.

He said the government should make a target-oriented action plan to exploit and develop various potential sectors for strengthening the economy.

He expressed concern over the decline in exports mainly because of long power breakdowns in industrial areas, especially in Karachi. Besides, there is also shortage of gas and water and the poor infrastructure hurting exports.

“We have lost many export orders due to non-availability of water and electricity. These orders were diverted to other countries, including India, and Sri Lanka,” he added.

He said unless the government took urgent steps to ensure un-interrupted industrial and trade activities, it would be very difficult to achieve the export target set for the year.—APP