LAHORE: Declaring full support for the handmade
carpet sector, Federal Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastgir approved Rs7.5
million for the 33rd International Pakistan Hand-knotted Carpet Exhibition, to
be held from October 6-9 in Lahore.
During a meeting with the delegation of the
Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PCMEA), Dastgir said
the government was working with the carpet industry to make the business
environment more export-friendly. “Due to the absence of incentives, political
instability and energy shortage, exports of Pakistan-made carpets have declined
from $300 million to $120 million in the last five to six years.”
He said the government was determined to
facilitate the hand-knotted carpet industry, resolving issues such as
infrastructural shortcomings to skill and product development and research to
enhance trade volume for economic stability and growth.
Also present on the occasion, Exhibition
Committee Chairman Major (r) Akhtar Nazir Khan Cooki appreciated the support
and approval of the package.
He said the PCMEA would focus on ensuring
maximum participation of locals, interior designers, architects and general
public in the upcoming exhibition, aimed at creating awareness about carpets as
pieces of art created by local artisans.
Exhibition chief organiser Qamar Zia added
that delegates from across the world have been invited and it is expected that
over 150 foreign companies will visit the show.
“Trade fairs represent a significant
opportunity for exporters to enhance their brand and product visibility and to
promote new and existing products,” he said, adding that the fair would not
only facilitate entrepreneurs and business owners but also highlight the soft
image of Pakistan.
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