In the mid of 2004, there were rumours about 2005 as very uncertain for the textile world. Some were taking the up coming year as a threat and some believed it will be a year of opportunities. I was also confused as Anti Dumping for the Home Textile sector was re-launched along with GSP by the EU countries which was also making it very uncertain. The big Giants of the Textile Industry of Pakistan were also in the same shoes as I was and were thinking about either staying in the Textile Industry or to diversify for some other options like buying a bank or go for construction projects within the country.
Some were even packing their bags to re settle in the UAE. On the other hand some were preparing themselves by integrating their units vertically or horizontally, so that they could be competitive with all in house facilities and modern techniques.
The new comers or the smaller units who were surviving the competition of the textile industry were looking at 2005 as their last fight of the tex world war. In the mean while foreign investment was also involved in up grading the Textile Industry.
This scenario was also known to the farmers and I do respect their bravery for producing a mega crop for cotton this year. We being a cotton growing country have to take advantage of this. The involved ruling bodies should support and emphasis on this.
What I feel is now we should make a quota for exporting of cotton and make sure the remaining is used within our country as this will not only develop our economy but the employment problem can also be minimised.
I would like to mention here another point where is see ourselves lacking behind. We do not have any standards for improving the quality of COTTON. Cotton being the raw material and a heritage to our country, we should not only try to improve but also maintain the quality throughout the year, for which I see nothing being done. Unless and until we do not improve our base (raw material), how are the products made by it be competitive.
I do see COTTON RESEARCH CENTER on my way to office, but is it effective???
I do blame the technicians/ scientists involved for not doing any research to improve the synthetic, manufactured in the country. Whereas new synthetic fibers having better properties then cotton, has already been manufactured and being tested by other countries. The governing bodies should also look into this.
As of today we still have to pay 15% GST, against which we get a refund after 4-6 months. Is this going to support the textile industry where the completion is international as well as local? If this % is reduced and refunded earlier this will also support the small industries.
Well today we are here at 2005, where price and quality would be the most important factors along with the product and commitments.
Let's hope the decision makers will breathe some life into the Textile Industry.
My best wishes to all, as we step into the world of Quota free Textiles.
(The Writer is Chairman, Pakistan Bedwear Exporters Association).
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