The construction work of Rs 1 billion for three mega industrial development projects was briskly underway at Sialkot for the development, modernisation and up-gradation of Sialkot's export-oriented sports goods industry, besides, enabling this industry to meet the global trade challenges under this WTO Regime.
The under completion projects of 'Sialkot Business and Commerce Centre' and 'Sports Industries Development Centre' at Sialkot would open the new vistas of socio-economic and industrial development in Sialkot region. Besides, providing opportunities for the local industrialists and exporters to struggle hard for strengthening the national economy and enhancing the national exports with full devotion and dedication.
Dr Sarfraz Bashir Former Senior Vice President of Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) stated this while talking to the newsmen here Sunday. He said that the federal government has allocated a special development fund of $2 million for the development of Sialkot's export-oriented sports goods and leather goods industries on top priority basis.
He said that these three launched projects would be helpful in enhancing the pace of the trade activities, besides, helping a lot to modernise the export-oriented industries of Sialkot.
SMEDA would spend a chunk of Rs 34.67 million on the construction of an international standard Sialkot Business and Commerce Centre (SBCC), which would be an eight storey building with total covered area of 101,823 square feet, comprising the advanced facilities including Expo Halls, Display Centers, Convention Centre, Management Offices, restaurant & Residential Rooms and Business Facilitation Center, he added.
The federal government had released special funds of Rs 171.67 million through SMEDA to Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), while the SCCI would contribute Rs 170 million for this project.
This project would be helpful in providing a shared display facility for whole of the Sialkot industry, besides, helping to promote and export of Products from Sialkot based Industries. He said that project would also enhance the Capacity Building of Exporters especially SMEs.
Dr Sarfraz Bashir Former Senior Vice President of Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) said that this international standard project would also have an easy access to Sialkot Airport, Sialkot-Lahore Motorway and Sialkot-Swedish Engineering University.
SMEDA would also spend Rs 272.61 on the establishment of an international standard "Sports Industries Development Centre Sialkot", this mega project would enable Sialkot's sports goods sector to adopt new technology of mechanised soccer ball, which is threatening the current hand stitched soccer ball industry of Sialkot.
On this occasion, the SMEDA officials said that Sialkot is the main export oriented city in Pakistan. Sialkot is known internationally as a producer of quality products in sports goods, surgical instruments, leather garments, gloves & accessories, sportswear and musical instruments.
The local craftsmen produce immaculate products while export oriented entrepreneurs ensure that products reach international destinations. Around 400,000 people are engaged directly or indirectly with export activities. Annual export earnings of the city are around US $1 billion.
Former Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) SVP Dr Sarfraz Bashir said that Sialkot city is under a process of development, the concept of displaying products is taking grounds and with increasing exposure to international markets, industry people are realising the utter need of new marketing and selling hubs. He said that there is increasing need of giving our products more exposure and making them reachable for the customer. Another important thing is that business visitors avoid hassle of visiting multiple locations so if they are provided with single place where they can find a full representation of the industry, a good response is expected out of them.