KARACHI: An Extraordinary General Body Meeting of the Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA) was held under the chairmanship of Sheikh Umer Rehan, where participants discussed in detail the challenges confronting the ghee and cooking oil industry, government policies, raw material situation, taxation, regulatory matters, and the prevailing economic conditions affecting the sector, particularly difficulties related to freight and transportation costs.
The meeting was attended by PVMA Senior Vice Chairman Asjad Arif, Vice Chairman Sheikh Khalid Islam, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Punjab on Food Security Salma Butt, prominent business leader and former provincial minister S M Tanveer, along with industrialists and association members from across the country.Various agenda items related to the industry were discussed in detail, while participants also deliberated on future strategies for the sector.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman PVMA Sheikh Umer Rehan said that the ghee and cooking oil industry is a key pillar of the country’s food supply chain. However, he noted that the sector is currently under severe pressure due to prevailing economic conditions, rising production costs, fluctuations in imported raw material prices, frequent changes in petroleum prices causing instability in freight charges, and various regulatory challenges.
He stressed that continuous engagement with the government and relevant institutions, along with effective policymaking, was essential for placing the industry on sustainable footing. He further emphasized that the industry remains fully committed to providing quality and safe food products to consumers, but rising business costs and policy instability are adversely affecting industrial activities.
Sheikh Umer Rehan stated that if the industry is provided with a conducive business environment, it would not only increase investment but also create new employment opportunities.
Addressing the meeting, Salma Butt said that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has a clear policy to promote industrialization and facilitate the business community in order to strengthen the economy. She said the Punjab government believes in working closely with the private sector for food security, quality food standards, and the development of the food industry. She assured participants that the issues faced by industrialists would be taken up with the relevant forums on a priority basis to further improve the business environment.
S M Tanveer said that continuity in policies, a business-friendly environment, and restoration of industrialists’ confidence are essential for Pakistan’s industrial growth. He added that the edible oil and ghee industry plays a significant role in the national economy, and resolving the issues faced by the sector would help promote investment and economic activity.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment that PVMA would continue playing its role in resolving industry issues, promoting quality production, and ensuring the supply of safe food products to consumers.