LAHORE: Commerce Minister Khurram Dastagir Khan has blamed the lack of value addition and rising cost of doing business for the falling exports.

While addressing the opening ceremony of a four-day exhibition organised by Pakistan Carpet Manufac­turers and Exporters Association (PCMEA) on Tuesday, he said that the prime minister would announce a relief package for export oriented sector this week.

The package would include reduction in cost of doing business, cut in power tariff and ease in local taxes, he added.

“The peace has been restored in the country and it’s a high time to promote trade activities. Pakistan will import cheap products from across the globe including India,” the minister said.

He urged the carpet industry to focus on value addition, adding that the government was determined to resolve issues ranging from FTAs with several countries, product development and research to enhance trade volume.

On the occasion, newly elected PCMEA Chairman Khawaja Shakir and senior Vice-Chairman Atiqur Rehman appreciated the minister for assuring his full support towards promoting handmade carpet exports.

“Hand-Knotted Carpet Exhibition has been visited by a large number of buyers from across the world, while over 65 national manufacturers have displayed their products in the show,” exhibition committee chairman Major (Retd) Akhtar Nazir Khan Cooki said.

PCMEA former Chair­man Usman Ghani was also present on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, October 7th, 2015

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