Page 24 - February-March-2017

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Declined textile exports and concerns of

Pakistan Apparel Forum

Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, the Chairman of Pakistan Apparel Forum showed his serious concerns about
the declining textile exports in general and of garments sector in particular. He also demanded from the
government to instantly release all the Sales Tax Refunds, Custom Rebate Claims, DLTL Claims and WHT
Claims and provide relief to the textile exporters. He believes that only by doing so we can increase the
exports in textile sector of Pakistan.

Stating the exports statistics for the first month of 2017, he said that exports of knitwear has declined by
3.44 percent, readymade garments declined by 3.60 percent and of all textile products declined by 1.30
percent as compared to January 2016.

He further added to his discussion that; “During seven months (July-Jan 2016-17) total exports of textile
products declined by 1.54% over last year. According to his expert opinion the main reason for this
decline is that the exports are facing a tough competition from the competitor countries in the region and
the increasing production cost with persistent liquidity crunch. He added that the government had been
successful in reducing the electricity and gas load shedding to a great extent which was now under control.

He also added that the production cost is also an important factor behind slowdown in exports which
had led to lower production and closure of a number of export-oriented industries which had finally
resulted in the drop of textile exports. While addressing the issue he demanded that; “Therefore the
government should release all long pending refunds of exporters immediately to arrest the persistent
decline in textile exports.”

Cottage industry fortified to

enhance investments

National economic growth cannot be possible unless the local industry is boosted. It was said by the Provincial
Minister for Industries, Commerce and Investment Sheikh Alauddin. While addressing the attendees he said that the
government is taking solid steps to strengthen cottage industry in order to provide job opportunities to the people
within their cities.

He further said that the government wants to resolve the issues related to industrial sector and the allocation of Rs
7.5 billion for Industrial development would help promote industrial development, trade and investment in the
province."The Vision of Chief Minister is to promote trade and investment, work for private sector development,
create a facilitative business environment, and reduce the cost of doing business and improving living standards for
all by fostering economic growth, technological competitiveness and sustainable development".
The Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PISC) and Punjab Skills Development Project were provided with Rs 1.326
billion and Rs 79.8 million, and they were doing admirable work in their respective areas in order to strengthen the
industrial base in the province of Punjab. He also added that the Punjab government is striving to create a business
friendly environment that can promote investments. He further mentioned that special incentives were also offered to
the trade organizers and other such activities.