The local exporters' community has urged upon the federal government and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) that the visit of foreign investors and other trade delegations should be ensured to this export-oriented city and hub of cottage industries of the country.
Sialkot possesses a unique export culture as a result of which many foreign companies were entering into joint ventures with local firms reflecting the confidence of multi-nationals in abilities of manufacturers of Sialkot. With the passage of time the scope of joint ventures was widening day-by-day due to the efforts of the business community of this export-oriented city.
Despite possessing rich export culture and bright opportunities of joint ventures in different trade fields Sialkot was being totally ignored, the visit of foreign trade delegation and investors restricted to other cities of the country by the concerned authorities.
At present Sialkot is exporting sports goods, surgical instruments, badges, musical instruments, soccer balls, cutlery and martial art uniforms amounting to one billion dollars annually and growing at a steady pace. Sialkot is the only export-oriented city of Pakistan and known world widely for its export of high quality sporting goods, surgical instruments, leather goods, gloves, musical instruments etc. Hundreds of SMEs are situated in and around city that are engaged in producing high quality goods for export to international markets.
In addition to this, the mega project of Sialkot International Airport was functioning successfully and it is expected that export volume would further be increased with the functioning of airport. It is high time that all concerned high-ups especially TDAP and Commerce Ministry should concentrate on the visit of foreign trade delegations and investors to the city of cottage industry.