Khurram Dastgir kicks off Pakistan International Handmade Carpet exhibition

Lahore: Federal Commerce Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan on Tuesday stressed the need for promoting value addition in the production of export-oriented sectors which would definitely jack-up the overall export volume of the country.

Addressing the opening ceremony of a four-day 33rd Pakistan International Handmade Carpet exhibition organized by Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PCMEA) in collaboration with Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) at a hotel, the Federal Minister assured the export-oriented industry of extending all-out support for value addition of their products.

He added that government is also mulling to provide relief package to the export-oriented industry of the country, elaborating that the relief would be given on various input heads including energy cost, cost of doing business and domestic taxes.

Khurram Dastgir said that government would continue to extend financial support for holding of such healthy activities of trade exhibitions. The PML-N government, he said, has the credit of ensuring conducive and business-friendly policies that resulted in huge local and foreign investments in Pakistan through a number of developmental projects.

He said that Pakistan has suffered far much losses in the war against terrorism.

On this occasion, the Carpet Exhibition Committee Chairman Major (R) Akhtar Nazir Khan Cooki said that a high level delegation from China is also attending the ribbon cutting ceremony. The newly elected PCMEA central chairman Kh Shakir, vice chairman Atiqur Rehman and the immediate past chairman Usman Ghani also address the opening ceremony.

Cooki said that delegates from across the world were invited and over 150 foreign companies are expected to visit this magnificent carpet show.

He said that this year Carpet Show is going to be the largest showcase of Pakistan’s handmade carpets. The event would be visited by a large number of buyers from across the world while over 65 national manufacturers will display their products in the exhibition.

He urged the TDAP to help improve the training institute of carpet industry, adding that a lot has yet to be done in R&D (Research and Development) section of the carpet sector.

Exhibition chief organizer Qamar Zia said that the PCMEA would focus more to ensure maximum participation of local new home owners, interior designers, architects and general public in order to create awareness about the carpets as pieces of art created by local artisans.

He said that trade fairs represent a significant opportunity for exporters to enhance their brand and product visibility and to promote new and existing products. He said that carpet fair will not only
facilitate the entrepreneurs and business owners but also highlight the soft image of the country. The exhibition will provide an excellent opportunity of connecting in the areas of interest.