- Finance minister praises Pakistan Furniture Council for utilising all available resources to attract foreign investment
LAHORE: Finance Minister Asad Umar said on Monday that the government would fully exploit the export potential of Pak-made classical furniture, besides patronising the furniture sector so that it could capture its due share in the international market.
Talking to Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) Chief Executive Mian Kashif Ashfaq, the minister said that demands of PFC were given due importance, as the furniture manufacturers, which were registered with the federal sale tax, were allowed the import of duty-free furniture raw material.
Umar said that Pakistan was blessed with artisans, craftsmen and a host of other skilled force to produce the best handmade furniture in the world, adding that Pakistani furniture enjoyed a huge demand in the global market.
He said Pakistan was moving forward in a better position to attract international investment and “it was highly praiseworthy that PFC was utilising all available resources to create opportunities for foreign investment” in the country.
“Young entrepreneurs are among the country’s most valuable assets, and they should focus on promoting Pakistani brands in foreign countries through proper homework,” he asserted.
The minister said that Pakistan’s investment profile had been upgraded by all leading rating agencies on account of successful economic reforms and improved security situation.
“All the fundamental economic indicators are now improving with exports witnessing an upward trend, while imports are decreasing and the current account deficit is also being overcome gradually,” he added.
Mian Kashif Ashfaq on the occasion thanked the finance minister for ensuring his support, both financial and technical, for the furniture sector, which was gravely ignored by the previously-elected governments. He assured the minister that the business community of the country would extend its full support to the government.
