Pak Govt Would Put in Its Best Efforts to Get Duty-Free Access

Vouching full Government support to the domestic carpet industry, Federal Textile Minister of Pakistan, Makhdoom Shahabuddin, said the Government is in total support of the industry and would put in its best efforts to get duty-free access for Pakistani handmade carpets in China.
 
Speaking at the inaugural function of the Carpet Show 2012 organized by the Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PCMEA), the Minister called on the country's business community to benefit the most from the access they have earned in the Chinese handmade carpet sector.
 
Stating that Pakistani economy is advancing at a great pace, the Minister said instead of accepting aid, the country needs to focus on bringing home more trade to stabilize the economy. He urged domestic exporters to shift their focus from the EU and the US to Chinese markets and try to intensify trade ties by exploring joint venture opportunities in different sectors like hand-knotted carpets.
 
PCMEA Chairman Shahid Rasheed Malik said the 55 percent fall noted in Pakistan's carpet exports to the EU and the US, can be balanced by increasing exports to China, where handmade carpets are in high demand.
 
He urged the Government to introduce special initiatives to support the country's handmade carpet industry, and also sought financial assistance to aid carpet industry and to set up warehouses and retail outlets in foreign countries, including China.
 
The three-day Carpet Show, said to be the biggest platform for display of Pakistani handmade carpets, is a step aimed at enhancing the country's carpet trade and economy.
 
More than 50 Pakistani carpet makers are showcasing their products at the expo, which is likely to be visited by several overseas buyers.