Sports Industry
Pakistan is one of the top manufacturers and exporters of sports goods in the world. Sialkot is one of the most modern and economically booming cities of Pakistan, in manufacturing establishment, employment and export sectors of the industry. There is a huge potential for foreign investment in this sector, as it is clear that many multinationals have been outsourcing from Pakistan. Pakistan’s sports goods have their identity in the export market. Major multinationals like Nike and Adidas are outsourcing from Pakistan. Pakistani exports of sports goods declined half a decade ago due to non-tariff barriers like ISO-9000, environmental issues and child labor.
Pakistan as a resource-rich country, if exploited properly, can play a significant role in the world economy. Pakistan with its rich and hospitable culture welcomes foreign investors to come here to discover and utilize the vast untapped potential. The sports goods sector has faced and overcomes various issues in the past through collective measures taken by all stakeholders in general and exporters in particular. Increasing demand for Pakistani-made sports goods for important international events is on the rise.
Surgical Industry
The surgical instruments industry of Pakistan holds a history of more than 100 years when few British doctors got their surgical instruments repaired by the skilled workers of Sialkot and that was the foundation of the Sialkot surgical industry. The surgical instruments industry is mainly clustered in and around the skirts of Sialkot. Over 99 percent of the country’s production is centered at Sialkot. The sector comprises over 3500+ companies. Pakistan is one of the major countries in the world that manufactures and exports hand-held quality surgical instruments throughout the world. The top 10 buyers are the US, Germany, UK, France, Italy, UAE, Japan, Brazil, Mexico, and Russia. America is the largest market for disposable instruments, while a majority of reusable instruments are exported to the EU. Pakistan’s direct export of surgical instruments to China is also on the rise. Some international brands are reported to have shut down manufacturing facilities in their home countries as they get the best products from Pakistani world-class artisans.
The Pakistani surgical instruments industry will face a new challenge in the form of the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) to be mandatorily introduced in the EU beginning in 2024. All instruments destined for the EU will have to be compliant with the new European regulations on biocompatibility. The new regulations are expected, at least in the initial period to hinder exports of surgical instruments to the EU.
Himalayan Salt
Pink Himalayan salt, also known as Himalayan pink salt, is a type of rock salt that is harvested from the Khewra Salt Mine in the Himalayan Mountains of Pakistan. It is known for its unique pink color, which is caused by the presence of mineral impurities, such as iron oxide and trace amounts of other minerals. Pink Himalayan salt is often praised for its health benefits, as it is believed to contain 84 trace minerals that are essential for good health. Some of the minerals found in pink Himalayan salt include calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron. These minerals are said to help regulate the body’s pH balance, improve digestion, and even help prevent muscle cramps.
In addition to its health benefits, Pink Himalayan salt can be used in a variety of ways, including as a seasoning for food, a salt scrub for the skin, and even as an air purifier. When used as a salt scrub, the coarse grains of the salt can help exfoliate the skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth.
In addition, pink Himalayan salt lamps are said to emit negative ions that can help purify the air and reduce the effects of electromagnetic radiation. Overall, pink Himalayan salt is a unique and versatile product that offers a wide range of health and wellness benefits. It holds a lot of export potential as presently it is being sold at $2 for 350 grams in Denmark; the only problem is copyright issues as India is marketing this product as their own.
News from other sectors
- Pakistan has seen a significant push towards localization over the last year across a wide range of sectors. While import bans and blocked LCs have caused permanent damage in some cases, it has also LED firms to find local suppliers. Plastic housing for lights, metal parts, cables and electronics are now all being made in Pakistan.
- If Pakistan is serious about becoming a hub for IT exports, we need a solid optical fiber internet infrastructure. The Chinese company, Sunwalk Group, plans to invest $2 billion in deploying optical fiber cable over 100,000 Km in Pakistan.
- PTA (trade agreement) implemented between Pakistan & Uzbekistan has increased the potential for cement, medicines & textile exports. Cherat & Kohat Cement may benefit from it as they are closest to the border. Cotton & cotton yarn can be imported at concessionary rates and reduced delivery times
- Pakistan and Iran have signed an agreement on a 100MW additional supply of electricity to Gwadar. Electricity supply from Iran is a viable option until the 300MW coal power plant becomes operational in Gwadar. The cabinet is to give formal approval in the coming days.
- Arcelik, a Turkish home appliance manufacturing company is planning to open its second-largest R&D Centre in Pakistan.