PPE a silver lining for Pakistan exports, says Dawood

With economies faltering globally amid the coronavirus health crisis, the vulnerable export sector of Pakistan might have found its silver lining with the exports of PPE.

The exports of PPE, masks, and other protective gear have increased amid the pandemic, informed Abdul Razak Dawood, the Advisor to Prime Minister Imran Khan on Trade, quoted Bloomberg.

The country's exports which declined by over 6 percent during FY19-20, are quickly making its name in this new market. Pakistan has “really moved fast into that area,” said Dawood, and was optimistic that the current year would be better than the previous, with regards to PPE exports.

The country is also keen to utilize its strategic position on the globe and wants to attract multinationals, as Pakistan plans to give tax incentives to any global brand that opens an office here, informed Dawood.

Earlier, Federal Minister for Science and Technology stated that the local industry had enhanced its capacity for PPE production and "we are receiving interest from foreign investors as well."

On June 2, Federal Cabinet lifted the ban on the export of all items of PPE, hand sanitizers, disposable gowns and gloves, face shields, biohazard bags, goggles and shoe covers, made from various classes of materials, including woven and non-woven chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), Polypropylene (PP), spunbond and meltblown, with the exception of N-95 Masks and Surgical Masks and Tyvek Suits.