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.
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.