By Dr Ansab Ali Lahore Pakistan

LAHORE: Chairperson of the Carpet Training Institute (CTI) Ijaz-ur-Rehman has called for a comprehensive review of the business model of Pakistan’s handmade carpet industry and improvement of its value chain in line with global trends.

He said a well-organised value chain could transform low-profit and fragmented business practices into a sustainable, competitive and more profitable global enterprise.

He expressed these views during a meeting with members of the Executive Committee of the Northern Zone of the Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PCMEA).

Kamran Razi, Wasim Mukhtar Awan, Iftikhar Tahir, Muhammad Azim Butt, Faisal Saeed Khan, Syed Imran Hussain, Mrs. Sikandreen Hassan, Aurangzeb Khan, Bashir Ahmed and others attended the meeting.

Ijaz-ur-Rehman said the global handmade carpet market was valued at more than $17 billion, stressing that Pakistan needed comprehensive planning and a focused strategy to secure a larger share of the lucrative international market.

He emphasised that improving quality and efficiency at every stage of the production and supply chain was essential to achieving this objective.

He called for ensuring the direct supply of high-quality wool and natural silk, promoting environmentally friendly dyes and maintaining strict quality standards for raw materials.

He also proposed establishing regional production clusters equipped with modern cutting, washing and finishing facilities for handmade carpets.

According to him, these measures would help ensure consistent quality, timely deliveries and improved profitability for exporters.

The CTI chairperson further stressed the need to expand direct access to international buyers through digital marketing, e-commerce platforms and global business-to-business networks.

He said international exhibitions provided an important platform for Pakistani handmade carpet manufacturers and exporters to establish direct links with foreign buyers and explore new business opportunities.

Ijaz-ur-Rehman also called for strict compliance with international standards and certification requirements, saying these measures could enhance the global reputation and credibility of Pakistan’s handmade carpets.

He proposed introducing QR codes and a comprehensive traceability system to provide buyers with detailed information about the authenticity, origin and craftsmanship of each carpet.

Such a system, he said, would increase buyer confidence and enable Pakistani handmade carpets to compete more effectively in international markets.

He expressed hope that the 42nd international exhibition, scheduled to commence in Lahore next week, would provide fresh impetus to Pakistan’s handmade carpet industry and help expand its footprint in international markets.