Pakistan textile bodies debate over existence of Ministry

29 May '13

2 min read

Various textile associations in Pakistan are debating whether there is any need for continuation of a separate Ministry of Textile Industry or should it be merged with the Ministry of Commerce.

The Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PHMEA) and the Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA) have come out in favour of status quo with regards to the existence of the Ministry of Textile Industry, whereas the Pakistan Bedwear Exporters Association (PBEA) has supported the proposed merger of the Ministry of Textile Industry with the Ministry of Commerce.

Mr. Javed Bilwani, chairman of PHMEA, said the Ministry of Textile Industry has boosted the textile exports of Pakistan, and hence it should not be merged with the Ministry of Commerce.

In the letter addressed to Nawaz Sharif, the Prime Minister-elect, Mr. Bilwani argued that if the Ministry is run successfully then Pakistan’s textile exports could touch the US$ 50 billion-mark.

Meanwhile, speaking at a press conference, vice chairman of PTEA Asghar Ali expressed disagreement over the proposed merger of the two ministries.

He highlighted Pakistan’s potential in the textile exports, which greatly contribute to the national economy.

He added that Pakistan’s textile sector has been able to withstand global competition, in the midst of changing global trade patterns, due to the Textile Ministry’s support, which has played an important role in promoting the country’s textile exports.

However, PBEA said the Ministry of Textile Industry was a non-performing body which was operating without any say in the Government.

The ministry did not participate in decision-making process of any policy, including the trade policy, and hence it could be merged with the Ministry of Commerce, it said in a statement.

Pakistan exported US$ 8.483 billion worth of textiles during July to February 2012-13, posting a year-on-year rise of 6.55 percent, according to Pakistan Bureau of Statistics data.

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