Staff Reporter

LAHORE: Zahid Hussain from Rafum Industries (Borjan), has been elected New Chairman of Pakistan Footwear Manufacturing Association (PFMA) for the year 2021-2022. All the members greeted the newly elected chairman in a ceremony held in the Lahore office.

In his welcome speech, Zahid Hussain thanked outgoing Chairman and Retiring EC members for their Contribution to Footwear Sector and to the Association. He applauded the contribution of Ex- Chairman Mr. Imran Malik for his relentless efforts in achieving the great milestone of establishing Pakistan’s First IPFTC (Italian Pakistan Footwear Technology center) and PSDH (Pakistan shoes design hub).

Newly elected Chairman Zahid Hussain vowed to take these projects to next level of excellence by creating meaningful impact in the industry and economic well-being of Pakistan. He is determined to best utilize these facilities for betterment and growth of the Footwear sector of Pakistan by developing more linkages with supporting industries. He assured to take all necessary decisions in consensus of the Executive Committee for the larger interest of the Footwear sector and manufacturers of Pakistan.

After resuming charge, His prime objective is to make all out efforts to engage Government relevant organs to create conducive environment for future cooperation that can serve for the benefit of exporters, Manufacturers, component supplies, Large, Medium and small Industries of footwear along with mutual interest of SMEs.

In his first speech, He emphasized on challenges faced by Industry specially drawing policy maker attention toward key issues faced by the industry and manufacturer. Some of the most important are Extension of Local Taxes and Levies Drawback Scheme be enhanced to 4%, to enable the industry to position itself in the international market, waiving off ACD and RD on all raw materials for footwear industry and put them in lowest slab of custom duty, to promote “Made in Pakistan Policy”. He’ll continue to seek guidance and suggestions from the Executive members committee to enhance the manufacturing base of Footwear that leads to increase in export and generate employment opportunities in the country.