‘Pakistan can earn billions by branding sports goods’

KARACHI: Pakistan can earn $15 billion if it identifies the untapped potential of branding sports goods and value addition in seafood, said the Karachi Chamber’s Intellectual Property Rights Sub-committee Chairman, Shamsul Islam Khan.

In a meeting at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Monday, he suggested that through promotion of branding in textiles, pharmaceuticals, rice and horticulture (food and vegetables), Pakistan has the potential to increase its exports.

Referring to the KCCI’s ‘Pride of Pakistan Brand Awards’, he said that the awards will be conferred on merit annually to market leaders of Pakistani origin involved in manufacturing, trading and services sectors.

He stated that in order to give a boost to local brands and encourage real players, the KCCI has classified the awards into three categories namely Pride of Pakistan Brand Awards, Rising Star Brand Award and a special award. The special award will be given to encourage and motivate women entrepreneurs and recognise their performance in different sectors. Khan reiterated that these awards will encourage local brands to transform themselves into multinationals.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 10^th, 2010.