ISLAMABAD: Adviser to Prime Minister on Commerce and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood has urged the local exporters to supply Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the potential world markets as its demand has risen significantly following the outbreak of Covid-19.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Commerce on Wednesday, the federal cabinet has already approved the export of PPE (woven and non-woven) to provide the exporters with an opportunity to cater to the demands of world markets.
The adviser emphasised the need for exporters to capitalise on the emerging opportunities in the global healthcare industry by exporting protective masks, gloves, sanitizers, clothes, helmets, goggles, and other innovative equipment designed for protection from the Covid-19 pandemic.
He informed that a committee has been formed to manage the local demand of PPE, and in this regard, a notification would be issued in the coming days.
“However, the ban on Tyek suits, N95 masks and surgical masks will remain in place until further orders.”
Dawood said that the government’s decision to allow PPE export is part of its ‘exports diversification’ strategy, which is to expand the country’s services in new segments, explore new markets and to connect local exports with global value chain.
“I have already received information that some exporters from the United States, Canada and the European Union have placed large orders for face masks with their Pakistani counterparts,” he mentioned.
The adviser further informed the exports to different regions had increased; export to the Middle East surged by 36pc, Africa by 10pc, while that to Central Asian countries are also on the rise.
Meanwhile, Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Mian Anjum Nisar appreciated the government’s decision to allow PPE exports, saying that this has brought huge opportunities for local exporters to achieve their targets.
“The government in this regard had coordinated with FPCCI and we are committed to supporting them on every good step,” he remarked.
He said that the government should also impose a ban on the export of raw material of PPE equipment and finishing goods in order to achieve the goal of value addition in the country.
Talking to APP, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Muhammad Ahmed Waheed also lauded the government for providing lucrative opportunities to traders.
“We need to conduct research studies on the post-Covid-19 economic world so that our trade relations with foreign countries could be strengthened further,” he added.
