SIALKOT, March 16: Leading trade and business organizations of Sialkot have expressed concern over the recent increase in POL prices.

In separate statements on Sunday, office-bearers of these organizations said that the recent increase in POL prices would make it more difficult for the business community to compete in the international export markets.

The statements were issued by Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) senior vice-president Muhammad Sadiq Goraya, vice-president Malik Muhammad Ashraf, Surgical Instruments Manufacturers Association of Pakistan chairman Agha Bilal Hyder and Markazi Anjuman Tajran Sialkot president Haji Mehr Ghulam Mujtaba.

The Sialkot Chamber office bearers said because of comparatively less production costs, businessmen of several neighbouring countries were capturing international export and trade markets.