PCMEA seeks representation on EDF Board

20 Mar '14

2 min read

Stating that hand knotted carpet industry is one of the key export-oriented industries of Pakistan, the Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PCMEA) has sought its representation on the Board of Export Development Fund (EDF).

In a letter to the Commerce Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Textile Industry, PCMEA central zone chairman Akhtar Nazir Khan Cooki and north zone vice chairman Kamran Razi highlighted that the hand knotted carpet industry of Pakistan is a 100 percent export-oriented industry facilitating about 600 percent value addition for local products. In spite of this the industry lacks a representation on EDF Board, and that too when hand knotted carpet exporters significantly contribute to this fund, they added.

The PCMEA officials further pointed out that the hand knotted carpet industry is a major foreign exchange and employment generator for the country, and hence it deserves a representation on EDF Board. The industry employs over one million people, 70 percent of whom are home-based women workers, they added.

They demanded that PCMEA, which is the sole registered representative of the industry, be appointed to represent the industry on EDF Board. They stressed that it should be made obligatory for commercial counselors to meet PCMEA representatives before assuming charges in foreign offices, so that they can jointly work out a strategy to boost exports of hand knotted carpets from Pakistan.

Representing the biggest cottage industry of the country, the hand knotted carpet industry is one of the most unorganized manufacturing sectors of Pakistan.

The sector also plays a major part in checking migration of workforce from villages to cities, Mr. Razi said.

During July-January 2013-14 period, Pakistan’s carpets, rugs and mats exports earned US$ 76.968 million, growing at 9.83 percent year-on-year, according to the data from Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.

Since 1999, the Pakistan Government levies an Export Development Surcharge at 0.25 percent of export proceeds on all exports. The amount so collected is to be used for strengthening and developing infrastructure for promotion of exports.

The EDF Board, which is headed by the Commerce Minister, approves projects such as exhibitions, marketing campaigns, establishment of trade offices in foreign countries, etc., wherein the collected surcharge is used.

Although the business community is represented on the EDF Board through heads of various business associations, the control of the fund lies with the Ministry of Commerce.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

More Textiles News - Pakistan...