COVER STORY AVIATION INDUSTRY THE CRUNCH

The events of 9.11 sent shock waves across the aviation industry, the strong ripples of which are still being felt across the world. For the local aviation industry, or at least what passes for it, the fear of flying, restrictions of visas and trickling of passenger traffic meant struggle for survival. However, even with or without that fateful day, the performance of local aviation industry was heading towards problems, many of which were of its own makings. PAGE highlights the crunch.

 

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ECONOMIC BLOC
The Central Asian States and Pakistan have agreed to construct road links via Afghanistan. The proposed plan for construction of road network will provide road-linkages between the Central Asian countries and Pakistan. It may be noted that China has already been linked with Pakistan through Sharah-e-Resham through Northern Areas of Pakistan. This plan will not only enhance confidence and harmony between the people of these nations but also certainly help paving the way for developing a strong economic bloc in this part of the world.

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BEDWEAR EXPORTS
The bed linen exports during the current financial year are estimated around $900 million, which is handsome addition to the total exports of textile products from Pakistan. In the previous financial year bedwear exports were estimated at $650 million.
These handsome results are mainly attributed to the incentives given by the EU countries which include 15 per cent increase in quota, abolition of 10 per cent duty and another exemption of 8 per cent anti-dumping duties on Pakistan bedwear products. Bedwear sector is confident to surpass the mark of one billion dollar next year.

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