RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE: The government is working on a policy to address the trade related issues of the exporters to help generate the pace of economic development of the country. Mian Riaz Ahmed, Director General, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) stated this while talking to a two member delegation of Sialkot Tannery Zone project who called on him at TDAP office here Wednesday.

The DG apprised the delegates that as envisioned by Secretary Commerce, Emerging Pakistan initiative, all efforts are underway to boost the trade sector of the country. Syed Ahtesham Mazhar, Chief Executive Officer, Sialkot Tannery Zone apprised the DG about the ongoing development activities of the project. He further apprised the DG that tanning industry is considered one of the most polluting industries and during the tanning process, more than 85 % of the chemicals and the entire quantity of water are not taken up by the leather while this quantity is discharged to waste water streams. He said, meeting environmental compliance standards has always been challenging for tanners as they produce waste.

He also highlighted restraints for leather sector. “Sialkot Tannery Zone vision is to become a world class estate which may attract international companies”, he said and added that their objective is to centralize tanning activities to reduce environmental degradation.

DG TDAP appreciated the vision of Sialkot Tannery Zone and expressed the hope that the objectives of the project will be actualized in true spirit.