PGMEA seeks ban on wet blue exports
A delegation from the Pakistan Gloves Manufacturers’ and Exporters’ Association (PGMEA) has met with Pakistan’s Minister of Commerce, Himayun Akhtar Khan to request measures to assist the leather and glove industry in the country.
The chairman of the PGMEA requested the minister’s assistance in either banning the export of wet blue leather or reviving 20% export duty on exports of wet blue leather. He further requested the release of additional funds for the Leather Products Development Institute (LPDI). It was also brought to the notice of the minister that compulsory health insurance coverage is being demanded by Schengen States Embassies for granting visas and asked for help in removing this levy.
The minister argued that banning export of wet blue leather was not a solution, as it would not help the growth of the glove industry. He urged that the leather industry improve its quality to meet international standards as well as WTO requirements, so as to satisfy foreign buyer demands, whilst assuring the cooperation of his ministry in making the industry internationally competitive. He told the delegation that the government has already released PRs33.65 million for LPDI and assured them that their requirements for additional funding will be considered in the next EDF meeting.
The PGMEA in collaboration with the Export Promotion Bureau has initiated two projects: the LPDI and the Cleaner Production Centre.
There are 725 leather tanneries, 348 leather glove units and 142 leather goods units operating in
