K-P govt seeks to modernise footwear sector

CM aide laments industry still uses old methods, lacks modern tools

LAHORE:

There is a need to transform the Peshawari chapal industry and equip it with modern tools and techniques for producing products on a par with international standards, said Special Assistant to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Abdul Karim.

During his visit to the Italy-Pakistan Footwear Technological Centre (IPFTC) with a delegation of Pakistan Footwear Manufacturers Association (PFMA) on Tuesday, he lamented that the industry still used old methods and lacked modern tools.

He praised the facility and expressed the desire to create a similar centre in cooperation with the PFMA.

He also requested the association to train the craftsmen of K-P in adopting advance techniques in the manufacturing of Peshawari footwear so that businessmen could gain access to the international market.

“K-P government has immense supply of Peshawari footwear and we are keen to enter the international export market,” he said. “We wish to collaborate with the PFMA to modernise our footwear industry with infrastructure and human resources development for producing quality products and tapping foreign markets.”

Speaking on the occasion, PFMA Vice Chairman Muhammad Zubair encouraged the provincial leadership to work hand-in-hand with the association for boosting the footwear industry of Pakistan.

“We are pleased to welcome K-P government’s request for collaboration to develop the footwear industry,” he said.

He promised support for enhancing skills of the workforce and equipping them with modern tools to manufacture the finest products for local and international markets.

“We will continue to work for improving the footwear industry and to turn it into a leading export sector of the country,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 15^th, 2021.

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