Business

Surgical Instruments’ Industry contributes a prominent share in exports of country

Published

4 years ago

October 26, 2020

SIALKOT, (APP):The Surgical Instruments Industry contributes a prominent share in the exports of the country and Pakistan exports about 250 million US dollars of surgical instruments to 140 countries across the world due to excellent skills of manufacturing instruments.
The industry practically got established in early 1940s in the country and mainly it is situated in and around the city of Sialkot where surgical instruments, dental and beauty instruments are manufactured.
It is estimated that 80% to 90% of the Surgical Instruments produced by the industry are exported to the world.
The industry has adopted the latest technology and equipment to produce the export quality surgical instruments a few decades ago. Over 99% of the country’s production is manufactured at Sialkot. According to the Pakistan Surgical Instruments Manufacturers Association (PSIMA) , over 2300 companies are manufacturing surgical instruments in Pakistan from which around 30 can be considered large and the remaining can be split as 150 units of medium sized and remaining as small units.
The industry produces on average over 150 million pieces of surgical instruments in a year with an estimated value of around 225to 300 million US dollars .Interestingly , approximately over 95% of the total production is exported.
This industry was started as a home industry , however , now besides small and medium units, a few units are large and have a 90% integrated system. A big number of the larger and medium sized firms are exporting their products , however, the smaller/vendor units usually supply to commercial exporters/traders in the country.
The surgical industry contributes 0.42 per cent of the total GDP whereas 100,000 to 150,000 workers are directly employed while 400,000 to 450,000 workers are indirectly working with the industry.
Pakistan supplies surgical instruments in four broad categories in the export markets.
The categories include instruments for medical, surgical and dental, Orthopedic appliances, Equipment using X-rays, alpha, beta, gamma rays.
A prominent surgical instrument manufacturer Sheikh Shehryar Saqib told this scribe that this was the sector where Pakistan has developed special capabilities to penetrate high income markets such as Germany, USA, France, Belgium and other.
The average export price of goods made in Sialkot was around 1.5-2.5 US dollar which was much higher than what Chinese products get (0.35 US dollar).
However, the price was lower than some of the more sophisticated producers such as Germany and France, the manufacturer said.
Shehryar said that the major thing was its raw material and luckily the main raw material was ‘steel’ . Around 60 per cent steel , used in the production of the surgical instruments, was manufactured locally and the remaining 40 per cent was imported from Germany mostly, the trader said.
Sheikh Shehryar said that the surgical sector had achieved reasonable export performance growth during previous years , however, besides coronavirus ,lack of product diversification, inadequate shift out of low value disposable instruments to high value sophisticated products and uncertain business environment had badly affected this precious sector. The major impediments of the sector were low levels of productivity, inadequate technology upgrade and shortage of skilled staff, the industrialist said.
Sheikh Qaiser Mehmood , an exporter, told this scribe that most of the companies operate without any brands with only a couple of them moving to branding of their products. Moreover ,in upcoming years , the industry would have to face higher compliance requirements, especially when the industry produces more value added products and enters into more sophisticated markets. He said that Sialkot’s surgical instruments’ global production and value chain was labour-intensive and highly complex. It involves the import or local production of raw materials (including recycled steel imported from Germany and Japan) multi-tiered manufacturing centres, registered factories (“formal sector” workplaces), vendor-operated large, medium and small informal workshops, traders and suppliers of semi-finished and finished products, intermediary agents and international buyers,he added.
He said that formally registered factories employ both permanent staff as well as workers on temporary or agency contracts. The Sialkot surgical manufacturers cluster started as a cottage industry, based on social and familial networks. Skills had been transferred from one generation to another and businesses handed down from fathers to sons.Today Sialkot has over 9,000 manufacturers registered as members of the city’s Chamber of Commerce and Trade across a variety of sectors.
The surgical instruments cluster is considered the key SME export sector in Pakistan.
It is pertinent to mention here that the surgical instrument industry was growing alongside increasing demand in high-income importing countries. Sialkot’s market share of the global surgical instrument industry was significant but under-reported. Many products were routed through Germany and badged as “made in Germany”, which obscured more accurate trade figures, said Shehryar.
He said the surgical cluster saved a few exceptional manufacturers, generally lacking the resources and organising capabilities to diversify and keep up with new competition and market demand. The Cluster Development Initiative reports that profit margins of 62.5% of companies had decreased due to price competition among the cluster companies, as well as increased costs in the price of production.
Quality of Pakistani surgical instruments was good though not high and mostly meets the international as well as European standard .Production of instruments is a highly skilled task, so it cannot be easily taken over by newcomers to the field.
Abid Hussain, a small scale manufacturer said that out of the total number of surgical instruments manufactured in Sialkot, 60 per cent were disposable items and 40 per cent were reusable instruments. He said that for reusable instruments, expensive, high-grade steel, mostly imported from Germany, was used, adding that reusable instruments were produced with (mostly) a 5-year warranty on rusting, corrosion and precision and the final product involved up to 40 production processes whereas for disposable instruments, local low-grade stainless steel was used and only about 20 processes are carried out.
Members of Surgical Instrument Manufacturers of Sialkot floated some recommendations for the betterment of the sector while talking to this scribe:
Pakistani Surgical manufacturers can produce high quality, ethically produced, and inexpensive instruments, which could be regulated and supported from within Pakistan, and sold to ethically approved international suppliers and directly to public health purchasing authorities.
For improvement in the lives of workers , it was recommended to introduce collaborative institutional mechanisms to improve wages for workers, in line with the actual cost of living so that it is a good, healthy and supportive environment. Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry ( SCCI) and Surgical Instrument Manufacturers Association Pakistan (SIMAP) could coordinate with the state-run welfare institutions for labour to drive universal registration of workers in the sector so that they could access social security benefits. There could be improved governance, accountability and monitoring mechanisms regulating the roles and responsibilities of employers and public bodies.
The government should step forward and bring international buyers and suppliers to agree to common minimum standards for working conditions in the sector, recognising that this would have cost implications.
A committee of experts led by SCCI and SIMAP should undertake a mapping exercise of existing institutions, engage with them, design appropriate curricula in consultation with appropriate stakeholders. They should urgently seek investment in research, development and the professionalization of the industry.
A feasibility study should be conducted on alternative loan institutions to replace the advance payment (peshgi) system.
The SCCI and SIMAP could consult with existing microfinance operations within the country and consult on the possibility of a financing programme targeted at workers in the surgical instruments industry. Workers should be consulted on this and their own views sought for alternatives to peshgi.The Surgical Industry has a vast potential to grow in the country as this sector has a good number of skilled professionals in the country ,but this industry can be boosted by providing governments support as well as a comprehensive planning and strategy to compete in the international market of surgical instruments.

Business

Pakistan produced an incredible variety of ‘King of Fruits’

Fariyal Mir

Published

4 months ago

May 28, 2024

Fariyal Sub Editor

The fertile land of Pakistan produces an extensive number of Mangoes which is better called as ‘King of Fruit’. Pakistan exports Mangoes from corner to corner of the world. Mangoes are not just nationwide but worldwide favorite fruits. This tasty and nutritional fruit reaches the market in May and disappears till the last of September. Though Mangoes are grown in more than 90 nation-states yet Pakistan stands as the fourth number in the production of Mangoes. Moreover presently Pakistan produces more than 1.5 million tons of mangoes about which more than 5% is exported.

Surprisingly, there are more than 1200 kinds of mangoes in Pakistan but we know a few of them. Whereas, around 30 to 35 kinds of mangoes are produced on a profitable scale. Mangoes are the most awaited fruits and people wait passionately for summer to have the taste of the ‘King of Fruits’.

As I have mentioned that there is an abundant number of mangoes kind but here we will discuss a few of them. Some of the most famous and tasty variety of mangoes are given below:

SINDHRI

This variety of mango is highly produced in Sindh. It is oval in shape, large in size, and lemon yellow. It tastes sweet and smells pleasant.

CHAUNSA

Chaunsa is the best variety of mango produced by Pakistan. It is the most mouth-watering type of mango which is delightful and full of juice. It also contains merely the smallest of fiber. This variety is out in the market in the summer.

RED KIND ALSO KNOWN AS LAL BADSHAH

This variety of mango is the unique one. It is assumed to be a creamy mango with a small red color. It has an asymmetrical figure with moderately fixed skin.

ANWAR RATOL

Anwar Ratol is another mouthwatering variety of mangoes that arrives on the market from July to August. This kind of mango is best for making ice cream.

SUNEHRA

This variety of mango is oval in shape dark green in color until ripens. It is full of juice with heavy paste. This delicious variety comes around July and goes back till August.

LANGRA

This variety of mango is highly demanded in Europe in addition to Canada. Because it is a fibreless kind of fruit with fatty flesh. It is a little oval in shape and yellowish-brown in color. This kind remains in the market for two months.

We are blessed with a land that can produce this much variety of mango fruits. So that we are always grateful to the Almighty. The only thing is we need to take good care of this land and we have to value its production.

Business

“Be Pakistani, Buy Pakistani” the spirit of Patriotism and Economic self-sufficiency.

Published

5 months ago

May 14, 2024

EDITOR

“Be Pakistani, Buy Pakistani” is a simple yet powerful slogan that promotes the idea of supporting locally made and produced products in Pakistan. It emphasizes the importance of choosing products that are manufactured within the country and encourages consumers to be conscious of their purchasing decisions. This slogan aligns with the principles of self-reliance, economic growth, and national development.

Promoting Local Industry

Supporting local products has a direct impact on the country’s economy. When people buy Pakistani products, it helps boost domestic industries, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth. This, in turn, strengthens the nation’s self-sufficiency and reduces its reliance on imported goods.

Quality and Diversity

Choosing local products doesn’t mean compromising on quality or variety. Pakistan boasts a wide range of industries that produce high-quality goods, from textiles and garments to electronics and food products. By buying Pakistani, consumers have access to a diverse range of quality products while contributing to their own country’s prosperity.

Sustainable Practices

Encouraging the “Be Pakistani, Buy Pakistani” mindset also supports sustainable and ethical business practices. Local industries are often subject to more stringent regulations and environmental standards, leading to cleaner and more sustainable manufacturing processes. By supporting local businesses, consumers indirectly promote eco-friendly and ethical production methods.

Cultural Preservation

Additionally, buying locally made products helps preserve and promote the country’s cultural heritage. Pakistan is known for its rich traditions and craftsmanship, which are reflected in various handcrafted goods and textiles. By choosing these items, consumers contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage and the livelihoods of artisans and craftsmen.

Community and National Unity

The “Be Pakistani, Buy Pakistani” slogan also fosters a sense of community and national unity. It encourages people to rally together in support of their nation’s industries and economy, reinforcing the idea that by working collectively, they can make a positive impact on their country’s future.

Conclusion

“Be Pakistani, Buy Pakistani” is a call to action that embodies the spirit of patriotism and economic self-sufficiency. It’s a reminder that every purchase we make can have a meaningful impact on our nation’s prosperity and development. By choosing Pakistani products, consumers can be active participants in building a stronger, more self-reliant Pakistan. This slogan serves as a testament to the power of individual choices in shaping a nation’s future.

Business

GB’s Dry Fruit – A potential source of revenue generation

Published

5 months ago

May 14, 2024

Business Editor

Pakistan is bestowed with countless blessings of Nature right from its oceans, rivers, landscape, weathers, rich agricultural land and fruits much better in quality than other countries especially the dry fruit. But, lack of proper attention and marketing globally, this bounty of Nature could not get a deserving space in international markets resulting in loss of earning for the local people and precious foreign exchange for the country.

As Gilgit-Baltistan’s unique geography and climate provides the perfect conditions for growing an array of distinctive dry fruits like apricots, almonds, walnuts, cherries, Kilao and various types of berries, there is dire need to promote these distinct flavored and nutritionally rich products in world markets.

“We take great pride in our dry fruits, particularly apricots cherries and walnuts,” said Gul Baz a dry fruit farmer from Hunza. “These are not just a source of income; they are also a part of our culture and heritage. Dry fruit produced in Northern Areas is delicious and provide essential vitamins to human body.”

One of the standout features of Gilgit-Baltistan’s dry fruits is their exceptional nutritional value. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a healthy snack option. For example, apricots in this region are full of vitamin A and C content, while almonds and walnuts are a great source of protein and healthy fats.

“Dry fruits in Gilgit-Baltistan are nutritional powerhouses,” said Ayesha Ali, a nutritionist in Gilgit.

“These products are rich in vitamins essential for immune support, skin health, protein and healthy fats as well as weight management and health of human heart. People must include some quantity of dry fruits to their diet.”

While dry fruit production has been a traditional livelihood for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, limited marketing exposure has hindered their economic potential. By establishing proper marketing channels, local communities can benefit from increased sales to improve their earning as well as collectively venture to alleviate poverty from the region.

Aleem Hussain a local marketing expert has recommended multifaceted approach to tap the potential of unique dry fruits of Gilgit Baltistan.

“First, we need investment in packaging and labeling to highlight our products and then establish strong partnerships with national and international distributors.”

Secondly, he said, “we should effectively participate in world food expos to market our products internationally and expand their market network. New tools like social media and e-marketing should be fully exploited to connect local farmers with a broader customer base, both nationally and internationally.”
Aleem Hussain said, many dry fruit producers in Gilgit-Baltistan follow sustainable farming practices, their dry fruit orchards are organic and use traditional irrigation methods in natural environment. “Highlighting these practices can also be helpful for fruitful marketing and attracting eco-conscious consumers.”
He said despite immense potential, Gilgit-Baltistan’s dry fruit industry faces challenges like limited infrastructure, lack of awareness and inadequate marketing strategies. “Addressing these challenges can be beneficial for both the country and the local people.”
To unlock the potential of Gilgit-Baltistan’s dry fruit industry, the government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can play a crucial role by providing financial support, technical assistance and marketing expertise to local farmers and cooperatives to establish a sustainable supply chain.
Proper marketing efforts to secure slots in international markets can pave for Gilgit-Baltistan’s unique dry fruits to become sought-after delicacies globally. Exporting to countries with a growing demand for healthy and exotic foods can also be a game-changer for the region’s economy.
Meanwhile, Fazul Rehman, Director Agriculture and Livestock Gilgit Baltistan has informed that the region produces over 3,000 metric tons dry apricots, 3,000 tons almonds and a staggering 100,000 tons walnuts annually.
“Notably, all fruits grown in GB are organic, with no pesticides used, contributing to their superior quality and nutritional value,” Fazul Rehman said. “The region’s farmers could potentially earn more than $20 million from export of dry fruits against the current earning of just an estimated Rs 50 million.”
He suggested to setting up cold storages, develop proper infrastructure to address issues like quality standards and certification and impart proper training to local farmers for maintaining international standards. “Since, dry fruit production in GB is seasonal therefore its production window may not align with global demand. This mismatch can lead to missed opportunities in international market.”
Like many other treasures under the earth, to say gold, cobalt, barite, dolomite and copper etc, the Gilgit-Baltistan’s presents treasure of unique dry fruits on the surface of earth. But, for the world nations, these are the hidden gems, waiting to be discovered.
Therefore, proper strategies, support and investment can make this region a potential global hub for high-quality dry fruits, benefiting producers and consumers alike. Moreover, being an agricultural country, when respective governments announce incentives for the small and big farmers and ensure subsidies and rebates to the exporters for exporting these cash crops, they should also keep the dry fruit producing potential of Northern Areas in their mind as cash crops and include it in national policies incentives to grow this sector for contribution in national prosperity.