Handmade carpet exporters for resolving supply chain disruptions

ISLAMABAD: A delegation of the Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association called on Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan to seek urgent government intervention in resolving supply chain disruptions affecting handmade carpet exports.

The delegation briefed the minister on hurdles faced by exporters, particularly disruptions in the supply of partially woven carpets, which they said were hampering timely fulfilment of international contracts. Patron-in-Chief Abdul Latif Malik and former Senior Vice Chairman Usman Ashraf warned that continued delays could erode Pakistan’s market share in competitive global markets and pose risks to valuable foreign exchange earnings.

They urged the government to immediately address operational bottlenecks and streamline the supply chain to safeguard export commitments and restore confidence among international buyers.

The delegation noted that the handmade carpet industry is one of Pakistan’s oldest export sectors, having earned significant foreign exchange for decades. However, exports have declined in recent years due to multiple challenges, adversely affecting thousands of skilled workers associated with the industry.

Responding to the concerns, Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan said the promotion of value-added exports, including handmade carpets, remains a top priority of the Ministry of Commerce. He emphasized that the sector not only provides employment to thousands of skilled workers—particularly women in rural areas—but also plays a vital role in preserving Pakistan’s traditional craftsmanship.

The minister assured the delegation of all possible measures to resolve supply issues and facilitate exporters, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening value-added manufacturing and building a diversified, competitive, quality-driven and sustainable export economy.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026