LAHORE   -  The Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association has said that the government has not given any exemption in taxes on partially finished raw materials coming through Torkham border. Government officials are requested to meet the delegation of the association and get information so that the decline in exports can be stopped, according to said senior vice chairman of the Association Riaz Ahmed. He said that export products are exempted from sales tax by the government while partially finished goods coming from Afghanistan through Torkham are also exported locally after value addition but different taxes are imposed on it by the government. He said that due to many times increase in production cost due to taxes, Pakistan’s handmade carpet products are becoming out of competition abroad. 100% increase is possible which will also make it possible to get foreign exchange. This decision will not only secure the employment of 500,000 artisans in Pakistan, but will also provide employment opportunities to the poor artisans who manufacture partial raw materials in Afghanistan. He said that the lack of hearing by the government was a matter of great concern to the manufacturers and exporters and they were facing severe difficulties in preparing foreign orders due to Torkham border issues. The government is required to take our demands seriously or else exports will fall further. Riaz Ahmed said that the government has the best opportunity to respond positively to this so that our exports and employment opportunities in foreign countries are also available. He said that we have initiated efforts to meet Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin and Advisor to the Prime Minister on Trade Abdul Razzaq Dawood as soon as possible with the aim of seeking government assistance in promoting exports.