*SIALKOT: *The Ministry of Commerce on Monday announced that Pakistani cityof Sialkot will manufacture footballs for use in matches of the 2018 FIFAWorld Cup scheduled to be held in Russia this summer.

A Sialkot-based sports goods manufacturing firm Forward Sports willmanufacture the official football *Telestar 18* of the 2018 Cup, theministry announced during a ceremony. Forward Sports had also provided thefootballs for FIFA World Cup 2014.

Speaking to the ceremony, commerce ministry secretary briefed the attendeesabout the Emerging Pakistan initiative launched by PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi,the EP’s early months and its implementation.

He said: “Just like brand image holds great significance for businesses,the country also holds great importance in the field of trade and commerce.Our aim is to promote a positive and progressive image of Pakistan.”

It was also told that Pakistan exports around 40 million footballs a yearand that from July 2017-April 2018, the total revenue of the footballexports exceeded 122 million dollars.