Mr Zahid Hussain from Rafum Industries (Borjan) has been elected new Chairman of Pakistan Footwear Manufacturing Association (PFMA) for 2021-2022.
Similarly, Mr Rashad Islam of Waresa Industry Pvt Ltd was elected as the Senior Vice Chairman and Mr Wasim Uz Zafar Quadri of ASA International as Vice Chairman for PFMA.
In his welcome speech, Mr Zahid applauded the contribution of Ex-Chairman Mr Imran Malik for establishing Pakistan’s First IPFTC (Italian Pakistan Footwear Technology centre) and PSDH (Pakistan shoes design hub). Newly elected Chairman Mr Zahid Hussain vowed to take these projects to the next level of excellence by creating a meaningful impact on Pakistan’s Industry and economic well-being. He is determined to best utilize these facilities for the betterment and growth of the Footwear sector of Pakistan by developing more linkages with supporting industries.
After resuming charge, His prime objective is to make all-out efforts to engage Government relevant organs to create a conducive environment for future cooperation that can serve exporters, Manufacturers, component supplies, Large, Medium and Small Industries of Footwear along with mutual interest of SMEs.
He emphasized the challenges faced by the industry, especially drawing policymakers attention toward critical issues faced by the industry and manufacturer. Some of the most important are Extension of Local Taxes, and Levies Drawback Scheme is enhanced to 4%, to enable the industry to position itself in the international market, waiving off ACD and RD on all raw materials for the footwear industry and put them in the 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 an increase in export and generate employment opportunities in the country.
On this occasion, Ex-Chairman Mr Imran Malik thanked the EC members and tremendous support of the Footwear industry, which helped him achieve success for the greater interest of the PFMA and footwear industry of Pakistan. He wished the New Chairman the best of luck to keep the flag high and fulfil the dream of self-reliance “Made in Pakistan” for the footwear industry.