Pakistan SMEs seek packaging institute

The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) in Pakistan has called on the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) to set up an institute for printing and packaging.

UNISAME wants funds from the Export Development Surcharge (EDS) to be directed towards helping small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) compete in global markets.

Zulfikar Thaver, UNISAME’s president, said Pakistan’s SMEs are let down by poor packing as supermarket chains demand products in attractive pouches and sachets that can also enhance shelf live.

“The TDAP is sitting on huge amounts collected from EDS and could put the funds to good use by setting up the much needed institute of printing and packaging technology to promote enhanced quality and superior packaging in Pakistan,” said UNISAME in a press release.

While Pakistan has worked its way up in quality and price it is lacking in packing and packing materials, according to the sector body.

Thaver called for the Pakistan government to help SMEs import packaging machinery by financing imports under leasing deals.

He also argued for lower import duty and sales tax on packing materials so SMEs can import products in bulk and pack them locally.

Pakistani exporters have untapped opportunities in halal products in the Middle East, Europe and America, according to UNISAME.