ISLAMABAD: The exporters of textiles and Personal Protective Equipment’s (PPEs) have welcomed the government’s decision of allowing exports of all PPE items, saying that the decision would provide them new opportunities in the international market.
“This decision would provide local exporters a huge opportunity to achieve their export targets which were badly affected due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President Mian Anjum Nisar told APP on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Faisalabad Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FWCCI) President Qurrat-ul-Ain also appreciated the government decision of allowing exports of PPEs.
“We need to explore emerging markets, European Union (EU), Middle East, Central Asia and the African region as potential markets to increase the country’s exports,” Qurrat-ul-Ain said.
Advisor to the Prime Minister on Commerce and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood, in his tweet on June 2, urged local exporters to exploit huge opportunities by exporting PPE items in potential global markets.
Exporters are requested to go full speed ahead and capture a good share of the world market. A committee has been formed to manage local demand to ensure adequate supplies. A notification will be out in a few days. 2/2 @PTIofficial @appcsocialmedia
— Abdul Razak Dawood (@razak_dawood) June 2, 2020
The advisor emphasized upon the need for exploiting huge opportunities of increasing exports in the health and safety products like PPE including protective masks, gloves, sanitizer, clothing, helmets, goggles and other garments or more innovative equipment designed for protection from COVID-19 pandemic.
“A ban was imposed on export of PPE vide an SRO dated March 24, 2020, which is now being lifted after consultations among all stakeholders’ he said.
“I have received information that some exporters have already obtained large orders for face masks from the United States, Canada and EU,” he added.
However, the proposal faced some criticism as the countries medical professionals and other front-line workers still lack proper access to PPEs and other protective equipment.
Ahmad Nawaz Sukhera, the former Commerce Division Secretary tweeted on May 21, pointing out that demand from countries own medics and para-medics should fulfilled before the companies start to export PPE.
Great job done by our local industry to produce them!
However, hope our own medics & para-medics are equipped with them before we start exporting! Exporting & earning $$$ is wonderful but our duty to protect our own first is an absolute must! https://t.co/8hB6VRjvng— Ahmad Nawaz Sukhera (@ansukhera) May 21, 2020
