December 05, 2016
Chairman Businessmen Panel and Pakistan Business Group Alliance of FPCCI and Former Provincial Minister Mian Zahid Hussain, Presidential Candidate Abdul Rahim Janoo, Candidate for SVP Mian Anjum Nisar for FPCCI Elections 2017. While talking to delegation of All Pakistan Particles Board Manufacturers Association on Monday asked the government to take steps to support door skin industry of Pakistan which is in stage of infancy.
Door skin industry is part of the vibrant construction sector of Pakistan which is growing at a rapid pace but inclusion of door skins in FTA talks with Malaysia has worried investors therefore it should be reconsidered, he said.
Mian Zahid Hussain said that the industry is already importing raw material from Malaysia and paying sixteen percent custom duty and one percent additional duty on it. If the finished door skins are allowed from Malaysia without any duties or on reduced duties, it will damage the local industry.
China and Thailand are also leading manufacturers of door skins but Pakistani importers are yet to initiate business with these countries, he added.
He said that imports from Malaysia are gaining momentum while some stakeholders have alleged dumping by certain elements which is against the interests of local industry which is struggling to survive against odds.
Pakistani importers should consider setting up industry in Pakistan to prefer investment in production rather than import which will help country generate revenue, save foreign exchange and provide jobs, he observed.
He said that promotion of local industry can make Pakistan an exporter of door skins in few years which would be an achievement. India, Afghanistan, UAE, South Africa, Iraq, and many other developing countries rely on imports of such products, he added.
Giving an example, he said that importing crude instead of petrol is beneficial to the country as it saves foreign exchange and provides employment within the country.
Mian Zahid Hussain said that FTA should promote investment and interests while safeguarding the local industry.
Abdul Rahim Janoo while talking to delegation of All Pakistan Particles Board Manufacturers Association assured that their Problems will be resolved on priority as it will not only beneficial for Country but only create additional employment.
