ISLAMABAD, March 24: Pakistan has started export of paints to Afghanistan, and over 90 per cent of paint requirements of Afghanistan are being met from Pakistan.

Pakistan’s geo-strategic location is a great advantage to capture the markets of Central Asia for all products, including paints, said Khawaja Ijaz Ahmed Sikka, chairman of Brighto Paints while talking to APP here on Monday.

Pakistan’s paint manufacturing units, he said, were now capable of taking on major share in the markets of Central Asian states and other regional countries due to their quality and standard.

He said very soon export of paints would start to Tajikistan.

He said through Afghanistan, Pakistan can take full advantage of its road network, and expand its trade and economic activities.

Referring to his visit to Tajikistan, he said, the Central Asian states have very good road network and there are plenty of chances for Pakistan to expand its trade with these countries through Afghanistan.

Khawaja Ijaz said paint industry had been facing some problems due to complicated administrative affairs in the government and was also under pressure due to complex duty structure ranging from five to 25 per cent.

He proposed that the duty on paints should not be more than five per cent.

“Many paint industries from Pakistan have established their brand name in the international market due to its quality, standard and criterion,” he said.

Regarding availability of raw material, Khawaja Ijaz Ahmed said besides their import from European countries, China is one of the biggest sources for import of raw material for paint industry.

He said if the government provides assistance and cooperation, the paint industry can start technical training by establishing institutes to further improve the quality and standard of the paints.—APP