KARACHI: The upholstery sector is in dire need of dedicated industrial zones across the country. This was stated by the All Pakistan Bedsheet and Upholstery Manufacturers Association (APBUMA). The Ministry for Textile Industry and other government departments concerned should start work on modern lines on this project in order to boost exports of the sector, it said. The APBUMA said that establishment of cottage industrial zones could help promote hand looms industry, carpet, hosiery and embroidery sectors. With these measures, exports by these sectors could be enhanced to the tune of $3.5 billion annually in the next five years, it said. The association said people from these sectors had approached finance and commerce ministries and requested them to take interest in early establishment of industrial zones. The APBUMA was willing to share cost of setting up industrial zones if the government selected and provided suitable land for the purpose, it said. Japan, China and many other countries had established cottage industries to provide a strong base for industrial development with great success. Speedy development of these countries was only due to industrialisation and encouragement to entrepreneurs. The upholstery manufacturers lamented that the sector remained unable to meet demand of buyers and held increase in the cost of production responsible for the purpose. The cost of production had increased further due to 39 percent increase in gas and other tariffs. Earlier, the government had announced Rs170 billion for textile exporters. Higher cost of production and lack of competitiveness had also been hurting Pakistan’s exports. The association urged the prime minister to make early payments of refund claims. “We hope the prime minister will fulfill his commitment to restore the confidence of exporters. If concrete measures are not taken in time, the industry will collapse,” it added. Published in Daily Times, June 29th, 2017.