‘Punjab govt to support mask manufacturers’

Minister says he will discuss import of duty-free machinery

LAHORE: Punjab Industries and Trade Minister Mian Aslam Iqbal met with industrialists, manufacturers and representatives of pharmacies on Monday.

The meeting reviewed the scope of preparing protective masks at local level, their prices, provision of raw material, import of machinery and other matters. Industries & Trade Additional Secretary Ashar Zaidi and officers of the department also attended the meeting.

The provincial minister, while addressing the participants on this occasion, said that the spread of coronavirus can be curbed by adopting precautionary measures. He urged the citizens to protect themselves, their children, family members and friends by adopting precautionary measures.

He disclosed that Punjab government was considering to declare mandatory usage of masks across the province. “In this case, the provision of masks at reasonable rates will have to be ensured everywhere.” He remarked that it is welcoming that manufactures were preparing masks at local level and government will extend all possible cooperation in order to improve their capacity to prepare masks at local level.

The minister assured the producers that he would talk with the federal government regarding the import of duty-free machinery for the purpose of preparing masks and fabrics.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 2^nd, 2020.