"Stile is the only company in Pakistan that is making highest quality ceramic and real porcelain tiles, with quality at par with tiles coming from Italy or Spain, in different sizes and colours, employing the latest technology and state-of-the-art machinery imported from Italy," he said and added that they had so far opened 05 emporiums in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi with a plan to open more emporiums in different cities shortly.
Furthermore, he apprised that for FY 17-18 local industry's production stood at 45,205,000 Square-meter (SQM) while Shabbir tiles had produced 8,315,000 SQM. However, tiles' imports were 25,222,000 SQM. He said that Stile was the only company in Pakistan that was certified by Centro Ceramico, an Italian Lab tested companies across the world under ISO and European Standards.
On one hand, manufacturing cost of tiles is increasing due to labour, energy, raw material and rupee devaluation. On the other hand, the industry is badly being affected by smuggled Iranian tiles and tiles imported at low valuations, providing Rs5.2 billion financial shock to the kitty in terms of duty and taxes.
"Only 'Make in Pakistan' approach can counter economic challenges, create jobs and save foreign exchange to uplift the economy," Masood said.
He appealed the government to incentivise local industries especially tiles manufacturers as import substitution and for boosting exports. The industry is fighting for its survival and future of hundreds of thousands of employees is under threat. "We need the government to support the industry by resolving its issues to drag it out of critical situation," he added.