World trotters describe Sialkot as an entirely export-oriented city of Pakistan since this place possesses century-old industrial heritage. Sialkot is the only export-oriented city in Pakistan where 99 percent items produced are exported to all parts of the globe and it has developed a remarkable export culture over the period, earning foreign exchange of US 1.25 billion dollars annually.
Still, the exporter community is trying its utmost for doubling the export volume amid tough competition in the world market for fetching valuable foreign exchange for the country. Undoubtedly, Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs) in the city are playing a significant role not only in strengthening the national exchequer but also providing employment to thousands workers in Sialkot. In order to develop true and secure "small and medium culture" the city, government should formulate a special package of incentives and concessions for increasing the export volume manifold and redress the sector's problems.
The development of cottage industries in Sialkot has assumed a model status for the developing world. The city is sprinkled with thousands of small and medium enterprises, which are engaged in honouring their global commitments for export of valve-added quality goods such as sports, surgical, leather goods, and gloves and badges etc. The city has developed industrial edge over other cities of the country, especially in sports and surgical goods manufacturing.
Over 1.20 lakh (over 9.1 million) industrial workers are engaged with the industries alone and earning their livelihood in a respectable way. Many researchers of different foreign universities are considering conducting research on the unique export culture of Sialkot, which is a hub of cottage industries and export-oriented city of Pakistan. The researchers would try to find out how Sialkoties are doing the export business successfully and every third person is an exporter.
The business community of Sialkot is playing a tremendous role not only in bringing boom in the exports but also fulfilling social responsibilities and uplift of the city on voluntarily basis. Over 85 percent of total production of soccer ball of the world comes from Sialkot while all international brands are sourcing their supply of footballs from this export-oriented city. The success story of the industries can be attributed to the unmatched skill of local workers and their craftsmanship.
Also, the soccer ball industry has totally been purged from the menace of child labour and the city has set a role model for others to follow for elimination of child labour. Furthermore, the business community has managed to develop the culture of "do it yourself " in Sialkot under which it is playing a pivotal role for the development of the city and welfare of the people. For the construction of city roads and drains, Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) initiated City Package in collaboration of other trade bodies in the city. Under the programme, exporters are voluntarily contributing 0.25 percent against their export invoices as a result of which many city roads and drains have been constructed.
The business community has also set a unique precedent by constructing a mega project of Sialkot International Airport, which is successfully functioning and catering to the needs of businessmen and general public. Sialkot International Airport is a unique project in the private sector and first of its kind not only in the country but also in Southeast Asia. However, despite extraordinary contribution of the local exporters, the city is being ignored in many respects and deserves a very special status.