Minister of State for Commerce Hamid Yar Hiraj has said that relations between Pakistan and India should not be restricted to the carpet exhibition only, and India should also respond positively to the efforts being made by the Pakistani government for maintenance of peace in the region.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of Regional Handmade Carpet Exhibition-2006, being held under the aegis of Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PCMEA) here at Expo Centre, the minister said that there was no problem of law and order in the country, hence foreign buyers should visit Pakistan without any fear.
As a result of present government's efforts, now conducive environment is available to the foreign buyers and investors thus they should tap the existing potential in the country, he added.
He assured the PCMEA office-bears that the government would take steps for facilitating the exporters, hence they should play their role for enhancing country's exports. Announcing setting up of a Carpet City in Lahore, he said the government would extend all out help in this regard.
Chairman, Export Promotion Bureau of Pakistan (EPB), Tairq Ikram in his speech highlighted the EPB role in enhancing exports and said it would continue to provide every facility to the exporters.
He urged the carpet exporters to explore new markets to enhance their share in the international trade. Speaking on the occasion, an Indian delegate, OP Garg appreciated the PCMEA for organising carpet exhibition and making it a successful show. Such exhibitions provide opportunities of exchanging views and sharing expertise to help further develop and design the product.
Besides, these exhibitions also provide an opportunity to the buyers to view quality, standard and design of the products under the same roof. He also announced holding of handmade carpet exhibition in Delhi in October this year and invited Pakistani exporters to participate in this exhibition and exhibit their products in India.
PCMEA vice-chairman and chairman of the organising committee of the exhibition, Major Akhtar Nazir Khan (Retd) said that Chobi design of Pakistani carpet was gaining popularity world wide and foreign buyers had also shown their interest.
He further said that the exhibition received an encouraging response from national and international buyers. As many as 140 foreign buyers from USA and European countries have so far reached Pakistan and more buyers are expected to arrive in next couple of days.
He was optimistic that the exhibition would yield 20-30 percent additional foreign exchange to the national exchequer. He further said that the carpet industry provides direct and indirect jobs to over 1.5 million people in the country.
He urged the government to provide necessary facilities to the carpet industry so that it could maintain its share in the international market.