LAHORE - Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) Chief Executive SM Muneer on Saturday assured full support to the Pakistan Footwear Manufacturers Association (PFMA), saying there is a need to give more attention to maintain growth in this sector and find new avenues to enhance exports.
“TDAP will facilitate exporters in exploring new markets by sending delegations aboard,” he said, adding that the government was making all-out efforts to facilitate trade and industry. He was addressing a reception hosted by the Pakistan Footwear Manufacturers Association (PFMA) here on Saturday night.
Earlier, PFMA Chairman Waseem Zakaria welcomed the TDAP chief executive and presented him a shield for his valuable services and contributions for trade and business promotion activities at national and international levels. SM Muneer said that the government was fully motivated to end the energy crisis.
On the occasion, the PFMA chairman assured the audience that quality of the footwear produced in Pakistan would be above all standards. “Our (footwear) industry is also focusing to bring international brands to manufacture in Pakistan,” he said, pointing out good quality of the exports from the indigenous brands.
He shared the details of the upcoming Pakistan Mega Leather Show 2016 – a three-day exhibition from January 27, 2016 at the Expo Centre in Lahore. Manufacturers from Italy, India, China, France, Germany and other development countries will participate in the annual exhibition where manufacturers will have a chance to discuss local footwear industry and future challenges with visiting counterparts.
PFMA Senior Vice President Rashid Islam, Vice President Tanvir Ahmed, former chairman Muhammad Younas, Executive Committee members Javed Iqbal Sidiqqui, Mian Muhammad Afzal, officer-bearers and members were also present on the occasion. Waseem Zakaria also highlighted problems being faced by the footwear industry. He assured the gathering that Pakistani footwear would gain a foothold internationally soon to the extent of becoming competitive.