Pakistan fails to produce International Brands

It is heard a lot that Pakistan is good in Textile, Leather, Surgical items, carpets but it is rare to name any company at international level.

In America Target, Wal-Mart, Jc Penny are the three stores where lots of clothes mainly T-shirts, shirts and kids clothes that are labeled "Made in Pakistan" but we don’t have any names brands that we can mention and associate with Pakistan.

Sports products like footballs used in World Cup matches are made in Pakistan; about 80% of 'Adidas' is produced in Pakistan. 'Adidas' is one of the largest and most influential organizations in the world and they rely almost solely on Pakistan to produce their Apparel/Merchandise. About half the teams of cricket World are using Pakistan branded equipment i.e. CA, IHSAN.

Pakistan has the largest international market for rice like many other things but having all these largest things our industry is struggling to compete in an increasingly tough market. China and India are fighting for market share by beating Pakistan with cheaper input cost. Manufacturers and suppliers of substandard items are creating hurdles for the honest ones who are producing what they claim and using good raw materials and also producing good quality products, that’s why their making cost is more and when the same kind of substandard items are available in the same kind of packing with different names which is effecting a lot to them and resulting almost no profit as well as damaging the name of Pakistan.

To establish international brands Pakistan's government should change its policies by learning from rising countries like China as its government charges no taxes for the first five years from all Industrialists just to encourage and support them to establish their brands and do more investment. There is also an immediate need to training our labour force on modern pattern to upgrade our end product to enhance credibility of Pakistani industries. Cost of production is also very high in Pakistan as compared to the competitors like China and India. The high cost of various inputs specially utilities and taxes make Pakistan's products uncompetitive in International markets. Pakistan can capture the lost market share provided the industry is enabled to reduce cost of production. The duties on the import of machinery need to be further reduced. The machinery made locally is technically inferior which not only increases the cost of production but restrains from developing at par with the International market. Some products of Pakistan are in much demand but under the foreign renowned brand names. Made in Pakistan label and brands born in Pakistan have yet to come. Steps need to be taken by the industry in this regard. Renowned Pakistani firms need to register trade marks with respect to the products they manufacture. In light of the Agreement on Trade Related aspects of Intellectual Property rights (TRIPS) of WTO, Pakistan through Trade Mark Ordinance, 2001, provides effective protection and rights to the owner of trade marks.

A change is indeed a need of time, we all should unite and voice for them who are honest and giving their blood to establish their brands. We, as a buyer shouldn't compromise on quality and return the goods we don't find them effective and of standard.