Minister calls for enhanced exports

LAHORE: Provincial Minister for Industries Chaudhry Muhammad Shafiq on Thursday said that the Punjab government wanted to enhance exports.

Addressing the 34th Pakistan International Carpet Exhibition at a local hotel, he said increase in exports is essential to compete at the international level.

Different associations, including Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PCMEA) should work hard to improve the quality of their products, which would help increase exports, he said.

The minister said that with the grace of Almighty Allah terrorism has been reduced to a large extent in the country and political and military leaderships have played great roles in this regard.

The peaceful environment in the country would help attain the attention of the investors, he added.

Shafiq said that $46 billion Chinese investment in Pakistan is a great gift, adding that collective efforts are required for the development of the country.

Special Economic Zones (SEZ) status has been approved for three industrial estates in Punjab so that maximum investment could be ensured, he said, adding that investors are being attracted through different incentives.

Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) Director General Sher Afgan, PCMEA Chairman Usman Ghani, Exhibition Chairman Attiq ur Rehman and others were also present on the occasion.