ISLAMABAD, Feb 19 (APP):Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan chaired a meeting with representatives of the Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PCMEA) to review the challenges confronting Pakistan’s hand-knotted carpet export sector, a traditional powerhouse of craftsmanship, employment, and foreign exchange earnings, and discuss immediate facilitation measures.
The PCMEA delegation, led by Patron-in-Chief, Abdul Latif Malik and Senior Vice Chairman Mr. Usman Ashraf, highlighted disruptions in the supply of essential intermediates required for carpet production which are adversely affecting exporters’ ability to honor international commitments, risking loss of market share and exports.
The delegation sought urgent government intervention to resolve operational bottlenecks, said a release issued here issued here on Thursday.
Minister Jam Kamal Khan reaffirmed that promoting value-added exports such as hand-knotted carpets remains a key priority of the Ministry of Commerce.
He emphasized the sector’s significant contribution to employment generation, women’s empowerment, and preservation of traditional craftsmanship.
He assured the delegation of proactive support to address supply constraints and facilitate exporters, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) operating in the sector.
The Minister also called for institutionalizing planning through structured secretariats under sectoral councils, with clearly defined mandates and time-bound deliverables.
He stressed that such councils must evolve into operational platforms aligned with Pakistan’s broader economic and development frameworks to ensure long-term planning and accountability.
Concluding the engagement, Jam Kamal Khan assured the PCMEA that their concerns would receive prompt consideration, reiterating the government’s resolve to strengthen value-added manufacturing, support MSMEs, and promote a diversified, competitive, compliant, and sustainable export economy.