LAHORE: A delegation of exporters from Sialkot, led by Sheikh Zohaib Rafiq, former senior vice president Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), visited the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry and met its President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol to discuss the problems faced by them.
LCCI Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh and Vice President Khurram Lodhi were also present in the meeting.
The delegation included Adnan Yousaf, Muhammad Ashiq, Shehzad Ahmed, Muhammad Faisal and others. Speaking to the delegation members, President LCCI Saigol said that Sialkot is playing a key role in Pakistan’s exports and national economy. He added that despite difficult economic conditions, the export sector continues to support the national economy.
He stressed the need for stronger coordination and cooperation between the Lahore and Sialkot Chambers and said that joint efforts through an All Pakistan Chambers Conference should be made to resolve common business issues.
The visiting delegation members said that Sialkot has skilled manpower, modern industrial units, and is exporting world-class sports goods across the globe.
They added that local industries are also promoting the use of recycled materials and adopting environment-friendly and sustainable production methods.
The delegation further said that Sialkot’s export industry meets global compliance and quality standards and is the largest SME hub in Pakistan. They urged the government to provide more facilitation to the SME sector, noting that countries like China, Vietnam, and India have strongly supported SMEs, resulting in significant export growth.
They also highlighted that SMEs can drive innovation, employment, and exports if properly supported.
Sialkot is also rapidly growing in the e-commerce sector. Moreover, the business community of Sialkot has also contributed to society by establishing hospitals, an airport, and educational institutions under corporate social responsibility. The delegation emphasized that the Final Tax Regime (FTR) is vital for the SME sector and proposed a fix tax rate for turnover up to 500 million rupees, with a gradual increase beyond that level. They also called for an urgent resolution of issues related to the Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS) and duty drawback.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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