Pakistan itself is a brand name when it comes to Halal meat, but currently, we focus on a few products when it comes to looking at our export potential, says Basit. PHOTO: FILE
LAHORE: The Punjab Board of Investment and Trade (PBIT) is planning to make cities that have a competitive advantage in certain products specifically-designed as commercial hubs.
This will help the province cater to quality manufacturing standards, but there are some hurdles along the way, says PBIT Chief Executive Officer Ameena Cheema.
These commercial hubs are not part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and cover cities that have the potential to increase the country’s overall exports, which currently hover around the $24-billion mark, said the official.
“To promote this plan and encourage small and mid-sized enterprises in the province, we are planning to host an event with the World Bank soon,” said Cheema. “We are also contacting other foreign agencies and investors to help in this matter.
“But limited infrastructure means we can only go so far.”
The PBIT CEO added that Pakistan’s international image has improved in recent years, which was an encouraging sign for investors. “All we need is branding and promotion of our products,” said Cheema. “We have to use every opportunity in Punjab. We are working on a mechanism through which we will be meeting various business organisations across the province and listening to their concerns.
She shared PBIT’s plan of launching a one-window corridor model; this will integrate all those departments with which new as well as existing investors have to deal with while setting-up a new or managing existing business operations.
“We will not only focus on investments but will try to boost local production in order to create new employment opportunities and to increase the overall share in exports, especially in untapped products which we can lead Punjab globally,” she said.
Talking about its importance as a huge market, Cheema said Punjab should avail the opportunity to increase its share in Halal meat exports, especially when India is facing trouble in this category.
“However, to tap this potential we have to develop cold storage facilities, focus should be on developing this category as it has a lot of potential to generate export revenue.”
Meanwhile, PBIT Chairman Abdul Basit said the export of Halal meat could double if basic facilities are established. “Pakistan itself is a brand name when it comes to Halal meat,” said Basit. “But currently, we focus on a few products when it comes to looking at our export potential. This narrow range needs to increase.”
Published in The Express Tribune, December 27th, 2015.
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