I also congratulate all the Awards winners on their outstanding performances. The importance of exports in the growth of any economy can not be overemphasised. The volume of exports is an index of the pace of economic development. Greater exports mean greater foreign exchange earnings, greater economic activities and greater job opportunities leading to greater economic stability.
For a developing country like Pakistan, exports earnings are of critical importance to offset the adverse impact of natural calamities and fight against militancy. That is why the government has adopted 'trade, not aid' as its policy towards generating greater economic activity and giving hope to the people.
I greatly value the efforts of FPCCI to increase our export earnings. The holding of the Exports Awards regularly to honour best export performers is a motivation to the manufacturers to increase quality and quantity of their products and increase export earnings for the country. Over the years the FPCCI Export Trophy Awards have evolved into an institution for the recognition of outstanding performance in exporting and thereby promoting exporting acumen.
On this occasion while congratulating the Award winners, I would also like to appreciate the contribution of the private entrepreneurs for promoting the image of the country through quality products. The resilience and steadfastness of our business community in taking Pakistani manufactures around the world is commendable indeed.
I also wish to reiterate the Government's resolve to facilitate the business community in their efforts to boost Pakistani exports and playing greater role in the development of country's economy. I, once again, felicitate Haji Fazal Kadir Khan Sherani, the President of FPCCI and the Executive Committee of FPCCI for bringing out Export Trophy Souvenir all the Awards winners on their outstanding performances and wish them greater success in the future.