Efforts under way to hold 'Made in Sialkot' roadshow: Ijaz

Chief Coordinator Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) Ijaz A Khokhar has underscored the need of holding 'Made in Sialkot roadshow' for showcasing the products at home and abroad, he said that for this purpose collective efforts were direly needed for staging the proposed 'Made in Sialkot roadshow' adding that in this regard whole business community engaged of different sectors should support the proposal.

Talking to Business Recorder he suggested that all trade bodies including Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) should demand funds out Export Development Fund for holding 'Made in Sialkot roadshow' adding that all products produced in this export city would be showcased in the roadshow to attract the domestic and foreign buyers. Replying to a question Ijaz said that business community of this export-oriented city and hub of cottage industry of the country should jointly formulate aggressive marketing policy for fetching maximum foreign exchange and to compete in global market effectively.

To another question he said business community engaged with readymade garments was making adequate efforts to enhance export volume adding that despite of certain problems and odds the business community will continue its efforts for enhancing the export volume with concept of strengthening national exchequer with national spirit. The PRGMEA Chief Coordinator suggested that government should take appropriate steps for setting up special task force for conducting a detailed study as well as ascertain basic needs of the local industry.

Future polices should be formulated in the light of study of special task force adding that study of task force will help in attracting foreign and local investment in value-addition and generate wide scale employment for the skilled and semi-skilled workforce. After assessing the success the same should be replicated countrywide. WE understand that formulation of sector wise policies is the only remedial solution to avoid decline and to stabilize the exports adding formulation of sector wise polices would not only help in enhancing export volume but also supportive in minimizing the problems confronted by the business community.

Ijaz disclosed that Sialkot is fourth largest city in manufacturing of Martial Arts while second largest in the world adding that at present there are 125 exporters of martial arts in this export hub and in 2023 Sialkot would become number one city in the world.