Pakistan’s major export oriented carpet sector demands recognition

Pakistan has always been in the top list of countries involved in textiles manufacturing and industries. The country’s export has increased considerably because of expansion of fabric trade. One of the sector that play an important role in maintaining this standard is the hand knotted carpet industry. The United States and Germany are the world’s leading importers of hand- knotted carpets.

The hand knotted carpet industry is a part of the Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PCMEA).According to the PCMEA central chairman Major (r) Akhtar Nazir Khan Cooki and vice chairman (NZ) Kamran Razi, almost 100% of carpets produced in Pakistan are exported, providing around 600% value addition to their products.

But has no representation in EDF Board despite significant contribution in this fund of exporters, as observed by the chairman and vice chairman of the PCMEA in a letter written to Secretary Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Textile Industry. So the most significant export – oriented industry of this nation now demands for its representation on the Board of Development Funds

Major (r) Akhtar Nazir Khan Cooki said that PCMEA is the sole representative of hand knotted carpet industry being registered and licensed by the government of Pakistan. The exports of hand knotted carpets are based upon the most scattered and unorganized manufacturing sector in the country, which constitutes the largest cottage industry in Pakistan. This 100% exportable product creates at least 600% value addition and provides livelihood to more than one million people in remote areas.

He further said that they are one of the major contributors in earning valuable foreign exchange for our nation. Hence, the Association should be given representation on the EDF board and making it binding on commercial counselors to meet PCMEA representatives prior to their appointment in foreign offices to draw a strategy for enhancing carpet exports.

The PCMEA North Zone Vice Chairman Kamran Razi added that the hand knotted carpet sector represents small Industry locating in the remotest and most poverty stricken areas of Pakistan. They provide direct labour to the most under-privileged and uneducated bottom of 5% strata of their society and around 70% of work force of this sector comprises young women who make carpets at home.

The carpet sector is doing a great service to the nation by providing employment to around 1 Million people at their door step. This also helps the country in stopping migration from villages to cities. It is thus a rightful claim of the most established part of the carpet industry.