PRGMEA assures government of achieving at least $500 millions exports orders by June

While appreciating the governments' decision of allowing 800 exporting units of Sialkot export-oriented industry Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) on Thursday assured the government that industry would try to achieve at least $500 million exports orders by June this year.

The government had allowed more than 800 exporting units, belonging to all sectors of Sialkot industry to start their operation on the recommendation of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and after thorough inspection by the district administration.

PRGMEA regional chairman Sohail A Sheikh and Chief Coordinator Ijaz A Khokhar, in a joint statement issued here hailed the efforts of Special Advisor to PM on Youth Affairs Usman Dar and Punjab Minister of Special Education Ch Akhlaq for fully supporting the industry in difficult times and removing all barriers in smooth operation of the export-oriented industry of Sialkot.

They said the industry in other cities of Punjab was already operational after the government announcement of its exemption from lockdown.

They also appreciated the role of TDAP Director Nauman Bashir and his team, who has recommended more than 800 exporting units of Sialkot to the district administration for their inspection and final approval to resume production.

PRGMEA chief coordinator Ijaz Khokhar said that around 1,100 manufacturing units had applied to TDAP for commencement of their operations, pledging to take strict precautionary measures as directed by the government and health experts.

He also said Usman Dar was heading a committee of five zero-rated export sectors' bodies, including the PRGMEA, Pakistan Sports Goods Manufacturers & Exporters Association, Pakistan Gloves Manufacturers & Exporters Association, Surgical Instruments Manufacturing Association of Pakistan, Pakistan Leather Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association, Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers & Exporters Association and Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

"Dar has been holding meeting every alternate day, taking the whole export industry representatives onboard. The industry has assured the government to achieve at least $500 million exports orders by June this year," he added.

PRGMEA regional chairman Sohail A Sheikh said factories would resume their operations with the primary objective of protecting their employees and saving people from hunger.

He also said that industry was bound to follow the Standing Operating Procedures of the government to run their factories. He further said small and medium apparel export industry was facing the problem of liquidity crunch. They were facing difficulties in paying wages of their workers and paying utility bills adding those problems could only be handled only when the industry start its operations and completes export orders.

Both the leadership of apparel sector paid tribute to the Prime Minister Imran Khan for his efforts to provide relief to the export sectors in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic, saying the textile value-added industry contributes more than 50 percent to the national exports and it is also labour-intensive which provides largest employment especially to the women.