Carpet Industry: PCMEA seeks government support

LAHORE: Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PCMEA) Chairman Khawaja Muhammad Shakir has sought relief from the government to revive the carpet industry as this would also benefit 5 million unemployed people in the country. “Pakistan’s carpet exports have witnessed a steep decline of 58% during the last six years as hand-made carpet exports have reduced to $120 million from $258 million, rendering about 5 million people jobless,” he added. Shakir said acute shortage of power, dearth of skilled labour force and high mark-up rate were the main factors behind the sharp decline in carpet exports.  He said owing to the global recession and declining exports the industry needs some concession from the government in areas of credit financing and bank loans. He proposed that by holding maximum number of special exhibitions carpet exports could increase.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 13^th, 2015.

Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.