A delegation from Command and Staff College Quetta on Tuesday visited Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI). SCCI President Naeem Anwar Qureshi apprised the delegation about the city which is a unique city with strong industrial base. The city is also one of the most important economic centres.
Qureshi said that the development of local cottage industries in Sialkot has assumed a model status for the developing world adding that around one thousand small and medium enterprises situated in and around the city are engaged in honouring their global commitments for export of value-added quality sports goods, surgical instruments, leather products, gloves of all sorts, musical instruments, textile items and sports wear etc. Through the export of these products Sialkot is earning foreign exchange of $1.25 billion annually which is exceptional feat considering the size and population of the city, he said.
SCCI President said that the bank loan and tax default rate in Sialkot is practically zero percent and this is clear proof of the prudence and responsible attitude of businessmen in their dealings with their foreign customers, with banks or revenue department. Sialkot International Airport is the only project of its kind in the country, built by the private sector, now functional. International and domestic passengers as well as cargo flights have started from Sialkot International Airport, he added.