PESHAWAR, Jan 16: The NWFP government has agreed to set up a ‘carpet village’ and announced various schemes for development of the carpet industry in the province. A delegation of the All-Pakistan Commercial Exporters Association (APCEA), led by its former chairman Mazharul Haq, Railway Dry Port chairman Ziaul Haq Sarhadi and APCEA member Syed Ihtisham Hussain Kazmi, called on the managing director of the Small Industries Development Board, Akbar Khan, and discussed establishment of the carpet village.

Mr Sarhadi said export of carpet from the NWFP was increasing. He demanded more facilities to carpet exporters, granting a tax-free zone to Peshawar and setting up a warehouse.

Mr Haq and Mr Kazmi stressed the need for imparting proper training to people connected with carpet manufacturing.

Akbar Khan said proposals of the APCEA delegation would be considered to promote the carpet industry in the NWFP. He said and measures would be taken to set up the carpet village in Peshawar.—APP