President of Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF) Mian Zahid Hussain has demanded environmental protection authorities to end their discriminatory approach toward wood-based industry He said that emission standard for general factory is 400 to 1700 mg/m³ while emission standard for sulphuric acid and nitric acid is 5000 and 3000 mg/m³. He cited that emission standard for wood based industry need to be enhanced to 5000 mg/m³ in order to facilitate this sector.
"Industrial units of this sector close during first six days every month in order to save the environment but it faces different difficulties from EPAs which need due consideration," he said, adding that six-days closure a month cause this sector 25 percent loss in production.
Mian Zahid suggested that government should pay attention to the issue and sort out the issues in consultation with All Pakistan Particle Board Manufacturers Association which is the representative body of this industry.
He said that industrialists in this sector were ready to plant 1000 plants per unit to contribute to the cause of environmental protection. "If the Finance Minister Asad Umar takes appropriate steps in this regard, this sector can play an important role in the development of country," he said, noting that Pakistan is world's 51st largest producer of chip and particle board with production of around 76,000 cubic metre, annually.
The PBIF president said that the industry fulfils domestic demand in addition to contributing 0.1 percent to the international trade of this sector. He said there are around 35 industrial units manufacturing chip board to fulfill needs of construction, furniture and allied sectors and largely reducing import bill of the Country.
He said particle board was the best substitute to the natural wood and in the backdrop of forest protection policy of the current government, this sector has huge growth potential which can benefit existing players of the industry and may also facilitate new entrants. He said revision on regulatory duties applied on the import of raw material would be an added advantage to this sector, which would boost its growth and opportunities. He said it is vital to observe and practice international standards keeping in view the international demand for which government assistance is vital.
"There is no research and development institute in the country to bring innovation in this sector," he said, adding that the production of this sector was in traditional manner with no advancement in accordance with the international needs thus exports are just minimal. Mian Zahid said that development of this sector would not only play significant role in increased exports of this sector but would also play vital role in protecting countrywide forests.
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