The value added textile sector of Pakistan is faced with such daunting circumstances that they have resolved to avoid taking export orders and shut down their units if the Government does not meet their quintessential demands.
Leaders of apparel sector staged a protest at the Pakistan Hoisery Manufacturers Association (PHMA) House, giving voice to the demands of the exporters which entailed extending 6 percent research and development (R&D) support and withdrawal of proposed increase in the prices of gas. Failure to meet these requirements would result in closure of over four thousand apparel units and the consequent unemployment of millions of workers.
It believed that imposition of increased rate of withholding tax, charges and levies in the federal budget 2008-09, is bound to adversely impact the entire textile and apparel sector.
What has gone unnoticed for a long time is the fact that apparel manufacturers have been fighting all odds to give their best to the economy. Despite power failures which further increased the cost of production by Rs18 per unit, industries have been producing high quality fabric per unit to support the export sector of Pakistan.
In an exclusive interview with Fibre2fashion, Mr Javed Bilwani, Chairman of PHMA asserted, “We have demanded for a level playing field from the Government which would provide local exporters with as much facilities as the competitors get in their respective countries. For instance, providing adequate banking provisions would play a crucial role in giving impetus to the domestic value-added textile industry.”
Mr Bilwani also said that representative delegation of apparel sector was to hold a meeting with the Federal Finance Minister last Saturday to discuss about extension of R&D and withdrawal of gas rates. However, the meeting was postponed due to the on-going IMP Assembly meeting and was re-scheduled for this week. If the situation does not change, it is for sure that the apparel sector will not take any new export orders.
Fibre2fashion News Desk - India
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