Govt asked to devise strategy for upgrading SMEs

FCCI chief calls for introducing cheap technology for value addition

FAISALABAD: Hosiery and knitwear are the main value-added sectors of the textile chain and the government must devise a practical strategy for upgrading existing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) working in these areas, suggested Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) President Syed Zia Alumdar Hussain.

Speaking at the third 'Knit to Achieve' event at the National Textile University (NTU), Hussain emphasised that Faisalabad, which was on the driving seat in Pakistan's economy, contributed 20% to national exports in addition to its 45% share in textile exports of the country.

"Faisalabad has state-of-the-art textile composite units, but real economic strength of the city rests with the SME sector," he pointed out.



"Value addition in these units is imperative not only for their own survival, but also for the development of Pakistan."

He urged experts to develop cheap technology for introducing value addition in the SME sector. "This technology could be designed especially for easy adoption by the SME sector without any additional financial burden," he suggested.

Regretting that exporters got the accreditation certificate at a high cost, Hussain asked NTU to arrange such a facility.

"It will not only aid NTU in earning sufficient profit, but will also facilitate the exporters," he added. "However, this certification must be acknowledged and accepted internationally."

Speaking on the occasion, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) former president Mian Muhammad Adrees stressed that soft image of Pakistan should be promoted at the international level to enhance its exports.

He pointed out that the industrial sector of Faisalabad was the major employment provider to NTU graduates. "We must ensure a best environment for our employees so that they can feel comfortable and prefer to stay with their employers," he said.



Event participants visited different stalls and appreciated the innovative products made by students of the NTU knitwear department. 

Published in The Express Tribune, February 14^th, 2019.

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