Jam Kamal Reiterates Commitment to Promote Value-Added ExportsFederal Minister for Commerce Meets PCMEA Delegation

By Dr. Ansab Ali | Lahore, Pakistan
LAHORE: Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan has reiterated the government’s resolve to promote value-added exports, particularly in the traditional hand-knotted carpet sector, during a meeting with a delegation of the Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PCMEA).
The delegation, led by Patron-in-Chief Abdul Latif Malik and former Senior Vice Chairman Usman Ashraf, apprised the minister of serious disruptions in the supply of partially woven carpets. They said the interruptions have made it increasingly difficult for exporters to meet international orders in accordance with contractual obligations.
The representatives warned that the ongoing situation threatens Pakistan’s hard-earned market share in competitive global markets and poses risks to valuable foreign exchange earnings. They called for urgent government intervention to remove operational bottlenecks and streamline the supply chain to ensure smooth production and timely fulfillment of export commitments.
Highlighting the importance of the sector, Abdul Latif Malik and Usman Ashraf noted that the hand-knotted carpet industry is among Pakistan’s oldest export sectors and has remained a consistent source of foreign exchange for decades. However, they pointed out that exports have declined in recent years due to multiple challenges, adversely affecting thousands of skilled artisans associated with the industry.
In his remarks, Jam Kamal Khan emphasized that promoting value-added exports, including hand-knotted carpets, remains a top priority of the Ministry of Commerce. He underscored that the industry generates employment for thousands of skilled workers—particularly women in rural areas—while also preserving Pakistan’s rich tradition of craftsmanship.
The minister assured the delegation that the government would take all necessary measures to address supply chain issues and provide maximum facilitation to exporters. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening value-added manufacturing and building a diversified, competitive, high-quality, and sustainable export-driven economy by utilizing all available resources.