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Consumer goods shortage in Turkmenistan

Others step in

as Pakistan

procrastinates

ASHRAF KHAN

ISLAMABAD: An inordinate delay in materializing the prime minister's promise, which she made during Ashgabat visit in October last, to open a chain of Utility Stores in Turkmenistan, is giving way to other countries products for capturing the country's market.

This was the finding of a team of officials who had been in Turkmenistan recently, well placed sources revealed.

They said the team observed that in Turkmenistan an immense shortage of consumer items could have accommodated Pakistani goods as production facilities are also lacking there. Taking opportunity Turkish and Iranian products are making room in Turkmenistan's markets.

Sources said there is tremendous scope of vehicular supplies in the landlocked country. In this connection it is proposed to both the Ministries of Industries and Commerce to examine joint venture feasibility of setting up truck assembling plant having a capacity of manufacturing trucks from 10 to 20 tons capacity. Hino-Pak company has been suggested to takeover the task.

Moreover the team has pointed out other areas of bilateral trade cooperation. According it has emphasised on installation of a spinning mill in Turkmenistan as well as surgical cotton and cosmetic manufacturing concerns as great potential of these items exists in the country.

In addition it has been recommended to continue to buy cotton from Turkmenistan through Cotton Export Corporation.