This was stated by All Pakistan Bed Sheets and Upholstery Manufacturers Association (APBUMA) chairman Khawaja Muhammad Younis while addressing an EcoTex Certification awareness seminar which he presided over here Wednesday.

He said Eco-Certification Body, an international body for certification of exportable products, had cancelled registration of many exporters of Pakistan, India and Bangladesh last year.

Khawaja added that the seminar was organised to improve level of awareness among exporters and sensitize them on demands of the lucrative markets of the world.

He said the ministry of science and technology, government of Pakistan was providing Rs 200,000 to Rs 400,000 assistance to exporters and manufacturers provided they opt for any of the 24 international standard certifications.

He urged manufacturers and exporters to avail an opportunity to acquire certification and submit their claims to ministries concerned through the APBUMA.

Hohenstein country head S M Khalid and other experts gave detailed briefing to exporters and manufacturers on international certifications and its benefits.

They also responded to queries from the participants.