PM aide tells exporters to ship PPE

Stresses need for capitalising on opportunities of boosting exports

ISLAMABAD: Adviser to Prime Minister on Commerce and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood has urged exporters to capitalise on the emerging huge opportunities by exporting personal protective equipment (PPE) to the global market as its demand has risen after the Covid-19 pandemic.

The federal cabinet has approved the export of PPE, including woven and non-woven, which provides an opportunity to cater to the demand of world market, according to a statement issued on Wednesday.

The adviser emphasised the need for cashing in on the opportunities of increasing export of health and safety products like PPE and included protective masks, gloves, sanitisers, clothing, helmets, goggles, other garments and more innovative equipment designed for the protection from the Covid-19 pandemic.

He pointed out that a committee had been constituted to manage domestic demand and ensure adequate supplies. In this regard, a notification will be issued in the coming days. However, the ban on export of Tyek suits, N-95 masks and surgical masks will continue.

The adviser said the government had devised a strategy for export diversification and entering into new segments for connecting Pakistan’s exports with the global value chain.

“The government is committed to encouraging exporters to seek more orders from the international market and explore untapped regions of the world,” the adviser said.

“A ban was imposed on the export of PPE vide an SRO dated March 24, 2020, which is now being lifted after consultation with all stakeholders,” he said.

“I have received information that some exporters have got large orders for face masks from the United States, Canada and the European Union.” The adviser said exports to different regions had increased, which included the Middle East where exports from Pakistan went up 36% and the African region, where shipments rose 10%. Exports to Central Asian countries were also on the rise.

He urged exporters to step up their efforts and capture a big share of the world market including markets of the EU and China.

“We are fully prepared to exploit the economic and trade opportunities post-Covid-19 pandemic and increase local production for promoting Pakistan-made products in the global market.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 4^th, 2020.

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