KARACHI, Sept 20: The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) has taken strong exception to the statement given by minister for commerce Abdul Razak Dawood, suggesting people to get rid of ‘made-in-Pakistan’ obsession.

In an emergent meeting on Friday, the managing committee of the UNISAME, asked the minister to withdraw his statement.

Zulfikar Thaver said that when the UNISAME was trying its best to urge the government to give loans, technical know-how facilities and encouragement to Small and Medium Enterprises to set up industrial units across the country the federal minister is promoting foreign products.

A large number of industrial networks at the SMEs level could only be established if there was a strong demand for their products in the domestic market. However, if foreign products are allowed to flood the local market there could not be industrial activity in the country, which will also result in large scale unemployment, he added.

Presently, he said the UNISAME was extensively working on a strategy to promote such manufacturing facilities which could produce stationary, confectionery, garments, footwear, auto parts, cutlery and crockery. And if the government will promote imported durable items no one will dare to put his investment, he asserted.

The UNISAME members resolved that they would not only continue to use ‘made-in-Pakistan’ goods but encourage others to support their drive against foreign durable items. Furthermore, all measures and efforts will be made to encourage exports of ‘Made in Pakistan’ products in the world market, he added.