President, Asif Ali Zardari has called for adoption of innovative methods and public-private partnership model for increasing both quality and quantity of our manufacturers and increase our export earnings. This he stated in a message on the occasion of the 33rd Export Awards ceremony of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of commerce and Industry (FPCCI).
The ceremony was held at the lawns of the Governor House here on Saturday. Prime Minister, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, was the chief guest on the occasion. President, Zardari in his message further stated that exports serve, as a catalyst of economic growth. He was of the view that our exports at present are abysmally low compared with our potential.
The President pointed out that the countries in the region, which had comparable exports more than a decade ago have achieved the target of over 100 billion dollars of exports whereas Pakistan is still lagging far behind. He said that our manufacturers will have to exploit all available resources to increase our export earnings.
The President informed that in the era of global competition and international economic crises, we have to explore new avenues for increasing our production and exports. He said that Pakistan's strategic location is such that it can serve the markets in the region provided it has exportable surplus of manufactures.
"We should, therefore, adopt innovative methods and public private partnership model for increasing both quality and quantity of our manufacturers and increase our export earnings", the President in his message added. He also appreciated the endeavour of the FPCCI to encourage the exports.
The President said that greater production and exports means more employment opportunities for our people, which is necessary for weaning away the poverty stricken people from extremist mind set. He said that the role of the FPCCI towards the export promotion is laudable. The President also congratulated the export trophy winners on their outstanding performance.