In order to boost textile exports to US$25 billion through 2014, Ministry of Textiles (MINTEX) intends to call upon the government to cut down the import duty on textiles, expand the fibre base, boost production of value-added goods and develop a supportive environment for the export-oriented industries, which would encourage production instead of trade.
According to MINTEX, the initiative would help boost production of value-added garment, generate extra income and employment, dissuade smuggling and diversify export items for local as well as global markets.
In adherence with the MINTEX's new initiative under the textile policy, the government would increase its contribution to the Employees' Old-Age Benefit Institution (EOBI) scheme and also towards social security provisions for women and handicapped workers in the textile industry.
The Ministry intends to launch the initiative from next fiscal and would also separately assign a sum for the purpose. By doing this, the Ministry means to prompt the industry to engage more people from marginalised segments of the society, particularly women.
MINTEX has devised and submitted a plan for imparting training to 500,000 apparel stitching workers to balance the shortfall of skilled workers in the value-added sector. The scheme has already been formulated and has been submitted to the Planning Commission.
In addition to this, MINTEX is also setting up garment cities in Faisalabad and Lahore. The Ministry has already hired out the first factory shed in Faisalabad Garment City, while construction of its second building, which is being developed on an area of 129,890 sq ft is also close to conclusion.
Also on the agenda, is the Lahore Garment City, which is situated in Sunder Industrial Estates in Lahore and spread on an area of 19.34 acres, incorporating three multi-storied towers with total factory area of 312,650 sq ft. Construction of the same is likely to conclude during next fiscal.
MINTEX would also impart training to the workers who would be engaged in the Lahore Garment City. This would lead to large-scale employment generation, particularly for women workers.
MINTEX is also coming up with a garment city in Karachi and has already acquired a 300 acre plot for the purpose. The work in respect of this project would start subsequent to approval. Besides, the Ministry is also setting up Pakistan Cotton Ginning Research and Training Institute in Multan and is trying to obtain necessary support from the Government of Punjab, Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association and other stakeholders in this regards.
During the second part of current calendar year, the Ministry amongst other activities also intends to organize a mega 'Textile Buyers Conference', which would be focused at reinstating the country's image and promoting the country as a producer and exporter of superior quality textile goods. Alongside the conference, the Ministry even intends to organize an expo and fashion show.
Efforts would also be made to promote country's fashion industry through brand promotion, establishment of new institutes, information dissemination regarding new fashion trends and marketing strategies.
Besides, MINTEX in association with the industry stakeholders also intends to set up a 'Centre of Excellence', as technical textiles is emerging as a promising segment for higher value-addition.
Fibre2fashion News Desk - India
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