Setting up dyeing and processing units at Sialkot

The Sialkot-based manufacturers-cum-exporters have demanded tax holiday for five years to establish dyeing, weaving and processing units to increase value-added exports to $500 million from $250 million annually.

The value-added garment industry is the fourth largest exporting sector with $250 million shares out of $900 million total exports made from the city annually, said Ijaz Khokhar, a former Chairman of Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA).

He said garments sector annual exports amount to one-third of exports made from Sialkot and the government should set up vocational institutions for men and women in the city to overcome the dearth of manpower, which is presently at threatening low level. Sialkot is the only city in Asia that alone competes with China in the world market with its martial arts kits.