LAHORE – Chairman of the Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PCMEA), Mian Atiq-ur-Rehman met with the High Commissioner of the Republic of Rwanda Harerimana Fatou and held detailed discussions on strengthening trade relations between Pakistan and Rwanda, increasing exports, and expanding mutual cooperation. During the meeting, Head of Finance and Trade at the Rwanda High Commission Kwibuka Esdras and other officials was also present. Mian Atiq-ur-Rehman stated that Pakistan’s hand-knitted carpet industry is keen to enter the Rwanda market in a significant way and promote trade activities. He emphasized that the Pakistani Embassy in Rwanda should play a more proactive role in this regard. He further added that after achieving success in the Rwandan market, a formal request would be made to the Ministry of Commerce for the signing of a free trade agreement (FTA) between Pakistan and Rwanda to further expand bilateral trade. He also noted that Pakistan could gain access to other regional markets through Rwanda. Meanwhile, speaking at a meeting held at the association’s office, Chairman Mian Atiq-ur-Rehman and Vice Chairman Riaz Ahmed once again urged the government to immediately release funds for the arrangements of the 42nd International Handmade Carpet Exhibition scheduled to be held in Lahore in October this year. They warned that Pakistan’s traditional competitor India also organizes similar exhibitions, and therefore timely and exceptional preparations are necessary to remain competitive. Due to delays in fund disbursement, no progress has yet been made in contacting foreign buyers or arranging hospitality packages, causing serious concern among manufacturers and exporters associated with the industry. Mian Atiq-ur-Rehman and Riaz Ahmed appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, finance minister, and commerce minister to take immediate notice of the matter and direct the relevant authorities to expedite progress. They further urged that a special relief package for hand-knitted carpet industry be announced in upcoming budget, stating that sector is one of Pakistan’s oldest export industries and plays a key role in earning valuable foreign exchange for the country.
They added that rising production costs, the energy crisis, and heavy taxation have severely affected the industry. Therefore, the government should take urgent measures to reduce taxes and duties, provide relief in freight charges, and offer special incentives to exporters so that the industry can return to a path of growth.
