ISLAMABAD, Oct 4: The export of non-textile products mainly commodities rose by 33.3 per cent to $1.228 billion during the first two months (July-Aug) of the fiscal year 2006-07 as against $0.921 billion the same months last year.

Official figures compiled by the ministry of commerce showed that the increase in the export proceeds during the months under review was due to a hefty growth of more than 25 per cent in export of primary commodities mostly rice.

Meanwhile, export of Pakistan’s traditional products like engineering goods, sports, carpets, leather, surgical and pharmaceutical products were constantly on decline during the first two months of the current fiscal year.

Analysts attributed the decline in these manufactured products to the ill-advised and improper policies of the government, which were only focused on the promotion of textile products.

They said that the textile tycoons had a say in government policies and they could easily get what they want at the cost of the taxpayers. However, the government remained silent about other sectors, which were near to closing down if no proper steps were taken immediately.

Among the primary commodities, exports of fish and fish products rose by 2.70 per cent, rice by 103.32 per cent, and meat and meat preparations by 9.32 per cent. However, exports of fruits declined by 48.68 per cent, vegetable dipped by 56.04 per cent, tobacco by 73.81 per cent and oil seeds by 10.79 per cent during July-Aug 2006 over last year.

Official figures showed that the export of sport goods (football and gloves) declined by 46.37 per cent; carpets, rugs and mats by 43.42 per cent; and leather goods (garments and gloves) by 40.75 per cent during the months under review over last year.

The exports in these sectors were on decline despite the fact that government exempted them from sales tax and other duties.