Ceramics industry on verge of collapse

Official points to imports from China, hike in energy prices as main reasons

FAISALABAD: The golden triangle expo centre is likely to be established at Wazirabad in the near future, announced Gujrat Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Amir Nouman.

During a visit to the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) on Wednesday, he was of the view that the golden triangle, consisting of Gujrat, Gujranwala and Sialkot, had immense importance keeping in view exports of electrical fans, cutlery and surgical instruments.

He also pointed out that the literacy rate in Gujrat was the third highest in the country.

Ceramic manufacturers increase presence in domestic markets

Briefing about the industrial sector of Gujrat, he termed the fan industry the backbone of Gujrat, which enjoyed a significant share in exports of the city.

Talking about the productivity of ceramics industry, he pointed out that it was at its peak in the last decade.

“Moreover, the ceramics industry is presently on the verge of collapse due to import of ceramics from China and hike in electricity and gas prices,” he said while voicing concern.

Nouman said the Gujrat Chamber had been organising the annual industrial exhibition regularly for the past eight years but due to security constraints the fair could not be held last year.

However, the chamber management was determined to organise the exhibition this year, he emphasised.

Talking about the challenges faced by the power loom industry located at Jalalpur Jattan, he lamented that the strength of power loom industry, which was 20,000 units in 2000, nosedived to 1,000 units at present.

“Perhaps, the multiplicity of taxes coupled with high prices of electricity is the basic factor behind the closure of power looms,” he expressed grief and urged All Pakistan Cotton Power Looms Association Chairman M Nawaz to closely engaged with the ailing power loom sector.

Chinese firm investing in Faisalabad signs land deal

He emphasised that the Gujrat Chamber, which has 8,984 members, was making all-out efforts to resolve the problems confronted by the business and industrial community. A meeting of the chamber is scheduled with President Arif Alvi on August 6.

Speaking on the occasion, FCCI President Zia Alumdar Hussain spoke about the activities of the chamber and said the foremost objective of the FCCI was to safeguard and protect the rights of industry and traders legally.

“Traders of Faisalabad are deeply perturbed due to the recent levy of sales tax,” he said. “Hopefully, the matter will be resolved soon.”

Faisalabad Industrial Estate Development and Management Company was one of the largest industrial estates established by the government of Punjab over 7,500 acres of land, he said.

Saleem revealed that 3,300 acres had been allocated to foreign companies and 4,200 acres had already been acquired by industrial units.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 1^st, 2019.

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