Karachi is the largest timber market of Pakistan. In the megalopolis, the largest market is situated at Haji Camp. It is to timber as Shershah is to automobiles. The other major timber markets of Karachi are at Gizri, Defence, Liaquatabad, Water Pump, Godhra Camp, New Karachi, Landhi, Korangi and Hub Chowki.
Malaysia is a leading timber importer from Pakistan, whereas NWFP has the lion's share in generating local timber.
The varieties present in the market is as follows: Pen Wood from Malaysia and Bangladesh, Golden Teak from Malaysia and Indonesia, Diyaar from Swat, Gilgit and Afghanistan, Partal from Swat, Gilgit, Havailia and Para Chanaar, Germany and Sweden, Red Maranti from Sweden and Malaysia, Popular from Pakistan, Cheerh and Chalgoza from northern areas, Beach Wood from Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore, Burma Teak from Burma, Sargawa from Malaysia and Indonesia, Oak from US and Canada, Ash Wood from Canada, Curing Masawa from Malaysia, Masawa from Malaysia and African Teak from Africa.
Is the wood industry capable of competing with the international market and standards? Some dealers are of the view that although Pakistani timber is better than imported categories but the quantity is very short. They are of the view that the country cannot fulfil its own demand, what to talk about importing it. However Diyaar is exported in limited quantity.
Timber prices seesaw according to the stock market. It depends on the Euros rate in the market as the presence of European countries' product is significant.
The Afghan war had an adverse effect on Pakistan's timber market. The pro-war Afghan merchants had a great influence on the market. War reduced the Diyaar's supply, resulting in a price increase.
Afghan merchants used to provide material on interest, which ended once the war started. The end of the credit system generated problems for small and medium dealers, as a majority of dealers belonged that class. The no-credit system has resulted a 25 percent of the industry being jobless whereas the giant dealers get more opportunities to strengthen their position in the market.
There is a dearth of degree-holding-skilled-labour in the market. The dealers are of the view that it is skill, not degree, that is a prime requirement of this business. Most of the labour is even uneducated, what to talk about degree-holders, they declare.
Comments
Comments are closed.