Pakistan gets a big honour for 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia

Pakistan gets a big honour for 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia

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

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

Speaking to the ceremony, commerce ministry secretary briefed the attendees about 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 year and that from July 2017-April 2018, the total revenue of the football exports exceeded 122 million dollars.