LAHORE: The Pakistan Chemical Manufacturers Association (PCMA) has proposed to set up chemical ministry for development of chemical sector in Pakistan at par with the neighbouring countries like China and India.
PCMA Chairman Abrar Ahmad suggested this while addressing the inaugural ceremony of PCMA new office. He said that China's development took place after establishment of chemical ministry, adding that the chemical industry is basic for enhancing value addition in the industrial sectors. Even the textile industry, the largest sector of Pakistan, is dependent upon various chemicals which are being imported from abroad by spending huge foreign exchange, he said.
He said that huge amount of US 5 billion dollars being spent on the import of chemicals can be saved following strengthening the indigenous chemical industry for production of import-substitute-chemicals.
He also stressed the need for evolving policies conducive to development of chemical sector in consultation with the stakeholders.
The association chairman also briefed the members about meeting with the government officials and said it yielded positive results as government pledged to extend the fullest support to promote chemical manufacturing. He vowed to continue efforts for having an exclusive chemical ministry in Pakistan and asked the members to submit a concrete proposal in this regard.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2020