HYDERABAD, July 31: The Hyderabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry has called upon the commerce minister to declare Hyderabad as textile and garments city as there are 70 textile mills and a number of power-looms and garment manufacturing units in the city.

In a statement issued here on Thursday, the president of the chamber, Emad Siddiqui demanded incentives for investors on the pattern of Lahore, Faisalabad and Karachi to setup more textile and garments units in the city.

Mr Siddiqui urged the government to concentrate on the textile sector which account for 68 per cent of total exports.

He expressed concern over the decrease in exports of surgical, sports and leather goods.

He welcomed the government decision to setup effluent treatment plants to improve environment.

He said it was encouraging that the federal government would provide 75 per cent funds for these plants whereas 25 per cent expenses would be borne by Sindh and district governments.

He said Hyderabad was the only city in the country which was famous for manufacture of high quality bangles. He urged the government to provide incentives to this industry.

Mr Siddiqui hailed the 2004-05 trade policy announced by Federal Commerce Minister Humayoon Akhtar and said it was indeed a happy augury that since 1999-2000 there was 43 per cent increase in exports.

PIA FLIGHTS: The Hyderabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry has welcomed the PIA plan to reintroduce flights from Hyderabad airport within the next two months.

Talking to Dawn here on Friday, HCCI president Emad Siddiqui expressed the hope that the schedule of flights would be finalized in consultation with the chamber.

He said that the runway of the airport was 700 feet which could easily be extended for 737 Boeing planes.

He said the business community of the area had not only been demanding introduction of passenger service from the city but also for the cargo service for export of fruits, fresh vegetables and flowers.

When asked that the PIA might suffer losses if it started flights from Hyderabad, the HCCI chief said it was out of question but hastened to add that in that case the chamber would make good the losses.