Prioritising: Rolling out the carpet for employment

Punjab finance minister says government working for industry revival.

LAHORE:

The Punjab government is fully aware of its problems and stands fully committed to reviving the labour-intensive carpet sector, Minister Finance, Law, Excise and Taxation Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman has claimed.

He stated this at the award distribution ceremony of Pakistan International Carpet Exhibition (PICE) 2014.

“Employment of 500,000 additional workers in Punjab’s carpet industry is on the top priority aimed at enhancing the export of carpet,” he added.



“The export of carpet is an excellent source for earning foreign exchange and the government is taking steps for improving the industry.”

He said that Rs3-billion interest-free loans have been provided to 168,000 people through the Punjab Small Industries Corporation. Additionally, the Islamic Development Bank will also provide $140 million for this purpose.

Rehman said Pakistan produces many varieties of carpet using different kinds of wool, dyeing, weaving and finishing techniques which are unique in the world.

“Carpet-weaving skill has been passed down from generation to generation by the artisans of the country and the local government is providing full support to enhance the skills and also release funds for non-formal education of the labourers in the field.”

The government has considered education as a tool to develop the industry further. Substantial funds have been provided for school and college education, while Rs2.4 billion has been provided for Non-Formal Basic Education (NFBE) to two million people.

Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers Association Chairman Usman Ghani, PICE Senior Vice Chairman Qamar Zia and other office-bearers also spoke on the occasion. The minister also gave awards to the carpet exporters.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 16^th, 2014.

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