KARACHI, Sept 1: The Pakistan Apparel Forum (PAF) has urged the government to discourage export of agro-based products, like cotton and other edibles, to ensure their smooth supply to the domestic market.

In a statement, chairman of the forum, M Naqi Bari, said that export of agricultural products has shown a tremendous increase in the first month of current fiscal which is not encouraging.

“The government should learn from other countries which have already taken measures to discourage export of basic raw material to protect their industry.”

“The prices of commodities are attractive in the world market, but this should not be taken as a boon because even least developed countries have imposed a ban on their exports,” Mr Bari said.

While export of finished and value-added products of manufacturing sector has declined in the month of July, export of seeds, rice and cotton has shown an increase of 330 226 and 120 per cent, respectively.

He cautioned that this was not a healthy sign where export of basic raw material is on the rise and of manufactured goods have shown a decline.