Interview with Mr Gohar Ejaz

Face2Face

Mr Gohar Ejaz
Chairman
All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA)

Energy security, affordability & high interest rates due to growing inflation are major impediments.

All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) is the premier national trade association of the textile spinning, weaving, and composite mills representing the organized sector in Pakistan. APTMA emerges as the largest association of the country as it represents 396 textile mills out of which 315 are spinning, 44 weaving and 37 composite units. Association's Principal Office is located at Karachi and Regional Offices are at Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar. The Principal Office functions under the administrative control of the Chairman and Central Executive Committee. It deals with the affairs connected with textile trade and industry affecting members relating to Federal Government, whereas matters concerning Provincial Governments are dealt by the Regional Offices under the direction of Regional Chairmen. The Chairman and Vice-Chairmen from Regional Offices are elected by the members annually and are charged with implementing the policies and program directives decided by the Central Executive Committees. The Chief Operating Officer and Secretaries are responsible for carrying out day-to-day affairs and programmes of the Association. The Central Executive Committee continuously reviews the policies and programs of the Association and establishes priorities accordingly. Mr Gohar Ejaz is the Chairman of APTMA for the term 2010-11. He is a seasoned Industrialist and Public Figure. He is the Son of Senator Sheikh Ejaz Ahmed (late). A Qualified Business graduate, and one of the resourceful personality in Pakistan, Mr Ejaz is also the Chief Executive of “Ejaz Group Of Companies” comprising of Ejaz Spinning Mills Limited and Ejaz Textile Mills Limited. Besides, he is also Chief Executive of “The Lake City Holdings (PVT) Limited” a 2000 acre resort / residential project, planned at 13 km on the outskirts of Lahore, with an 18-hole PGA golf course & 8000 luxury bungalows/villas, also featuring Sinuous Lakes, Landscape Architecture, Parks and Pavilions, Civic Amenities and Shopping Malls. As a Chairman of APTMA, his achievements are notable. In his appearance in Face2Face, addressing points raised by Ms Madhu Soni- Sr Editor & Correspondent, Mr Gohar Ejaz discusses present affairs in the Pakistan textile and clothing sector and describes the positioning of APTMA in it.

Thanks a bunch for joining us on Face2Face, Mr Ejaz! Getting along the discourse, how would you evaluate textile and garment industry performing presently as an earning member for country’s economy?

Textile industry is the mainstay of our economy. It accounts for around 9% of GDP, over 50% of merchandise exports and around 38% of the manufacturing sector workforce. Approximately 3.5 million direct labor force is employed by the textile industry. Indirect employment and unorganized sector employment is not accounted for. Both Textile & Clothing sector performed very well last year and posted pronominal profits. In spite of all odds the Industry even posted profits in the first six months of the current fiscal year. The textile industry is confronted with the menace of energy supply disruptions. Challenges include both, energy security and affordability coupled with high interest rate and spiraling inflation. I see a great potential for both textile and clothing industry, provided we are able to manage these challenges. I am confident we can double our capacities and exports in the shortest possible time.

So, to shoulder that goal, how does APTMA stand for the betterment of such a vital industry? What makes APTMA’s members different to those without APTMA?

APTMA is the premier industry association and ready to play the role of a catalyst, driving all subsectors of the industry under one platform towards path of growth. Common industry challenges are being taken together for public advocacy. The Government is giving due importance to the textile industry as it has the potential to perform in the larger interest of the economy. It is unfortunate for those not being its members. However, legislation is under process for all those not registered with the respective associations.

APTMA has been successful since last two years in achieving tangible results on issues confronted by the industry, and thus its members are largely benefitted. The association successfully managed securing free market mechanism (no duty, no quota). Policy on Agriculture Research for vertical and horizontal increase in the cotton production, zero rating of sales tax for the textile value chain, energy security, short term and long term planning, public advocacy on policy- implementation divide and Market access for the textile and clothing exports to USA, and EU. Members of APTMA benefitted from what APTMA achieved for them.

Published on: 18/07/2011

DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this column are solely of the interviewee, and they do not reflect in any way the opinion of Fibre2Fashion.com.

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