Call to set up 'cities' for sports goods and surgical instruments

The exporters and manufacturers of Sialkot, engaged in surgical and sports goods industries, have appealed to the Federal and Punjab governments to set up "sports goods and surgical instruments cities" in Sialkot.
The setting up of sports goods and surgical instrument cities had become more imperative in this export hub, keeping in view the present economic scenario of the country. The establishment of surgical and sports goods cities in this city would enable the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to establish their work places in these cities.
The scenario of Sialkot would take a very sharp turn with the functioning of airport, which would surely open the new horizon of industrial development in Sialkot, Gujranwala and Gujrat areas as well as help in increasing the export volume.
Hundreds of small and medium sized industries are functioning in and around Sialkot and earning foreign exchange to the tune of 900 million dollars annually. The development of cottage industries in Sialkot has assumed a model status for the developing world.
Over 85 percent of the total production of soccer ball of the world comes from Sialkot, while all international brands are sourcing their supply of footballs from this city. Surgical industry of Pakistan was enjoying the monopolistic position globally, and the surgical instruments are most economical in the world coupled with unconditional guarantee of the finest quality, besides world-renewed companies of surgical are entering into joint ventures with Pakistani companies.
Surgical industry represents manufacturers and exporters of surgical instruments, dental instruments, veterinary, pedicure and manicure items, tailor scissors, barber scissors and beauty saloon instruments.
There are about 1,300 small and medium surgical units functioning in and around Sialkot with workforce ranging to 10-500, adding that the total number of workers in surgical industry was about 60,000.
The surgical industry is manufacturing about 100 million instruments annually, besides manufacturing disposable instruments which constitutes 60 percent of exports and reusable instruments is 40 percent of the export.
Leather and its products have also received appreciation in the world market despite being a relatively new industry. The leather garments, leather gloves and textile sports-wear manufactured in Sialkot are competing with other countries in quality and price. The hand-embroidered badges and uniforms accessories have also achieved good reputation in the international market.
On voluntarily basis, the local business community is playing a tremendous role in bringing boom in exports besides fulfilling the social responsibilities and the uplift of the city.
It is expected that government functionaries would pay proper heed on the proposal of setting up of Sports goods and Surgical Cities in Sialkot at the earliest. Furthermore, Sialkot should be declared Export Processing Zone keeping in view the unique export culture.