Sialkot has been named as the focal point of sports in Pakistan as the city is renowned for its high quality sports goods which are also exported globally. The footballs named as ‘Brazuca’ produced by Sialkot have been used in iconic global sporting events such as FIFA World Cup 2014. These events have a set of criteria which demands extremely high quality footballs as they are most memorable and celebrated.
Some of the major businessmen have stated that the overall state of the country can be improved. However, its only a matter of individual will. Merely relying on the government to take initiative will not solve our problems. Entrepreneurs of Pakistan can solve unemployment problem to a large extent as there are numerous opportunities waiting to be tapped. One of the factory owners, Khawaja Masood Akhtar also stated that local entrepreneurs are capable to find solutions to these problems very easily.
Chamber of Commerce taking the lead
Businessmen of Sialkot have taken a first step to form a local infrastructure of the city. They have set an example to build their own city rather than relying on the government to improve the situation. The Chamber of Commerce established the first dry port of the country which was financed by private investors. The mechanism works in conjunction with the mainstream system as the customs can clear the goods at this port before sending them to the main port.
This working model gained interest of many local investors who later invested heavily for the construction of the airport. Their effort deserves a high applause as it the only privately owned and operated airport of Pakistan. It is currently handling 53 flights a week and aids in attracting foreign investment for the country.
Quality, commitment and long term planning
The sports industry in Sialkot has reached its pinnacle after persistent hard work and consistent struggle to achieve success. Local businesses kick started these ventures with full commitment. They looked for investors and ensuring they get fair returns on their money.
Poor law and order situation and the menace of terrorism has long affected Pakistan and disrupted many businesses in general. The attack on an international team made things worse for the sports industry along with tarnishing the image of Pakistan on the global front. According to Mr. Akhtar, one has to constantly struggle to sustain a business and ignore the uncontrollable factors.
Despite the bumpy ride, Sialkot has been the center of attention of many importers due to its high quality products. The city’s Chamber of Commerce (with 8000 members) states that Sialkot brought $2 billion through exporting its goods last year. This figure constitutes 9 percent of country’s total sports amounting $22 billion.
Mr. Masood also said that credit also goes to the strategic location as we are doing business in the market which is globally recognized for its sporting goods.
These companies suffered a great deal as they failed to gauge the changing trend of migration of badminton rackets from wood to aluminum and other materials. Nonetheless, these setbacks have helped local businesses to gear up by not only raising the quality standards but also embracing latest technology.
In the long run, Sialkot community is also committed to establish a high tech university. Subsequently, it will churn out technically qualified professionals for these growing businesses.
Source: Economist
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