The textile sector is the economic backbone of our country. After agriculture, this sector provides maximum employment and this vital textile export sector will be provided all necessary facilities. It has been planned to increase cotton production to facilitate the textile export sector, stated Secretary, Textile Hasan Iqbal, the other day on his visit to PHMA House, addressing the representatives and top exporters of the Value Added Textile Exporters' Associations on 16th. November, 2016.
Chairman, Pakistan Apparel Forum, Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, Central-Chairman-PHMA, Irfan Bawany; Chairman-PHMA, Riaz Ahmed; Chairman-PAKSEA, Rafiq Godil; Chairman-PCFA, Khawaja M. Usman; Saleem Parekh; Saqib Bilwani also addressed the meeting. Secretary Textile Hasan Iqbal refuted the contention that the Ministry of Textile was not functioning and was just in name. He said that the Government consists of different ministries and each ministry has its own character and duties. The incumbent Government aims to arrest the declining trend in Textile Exports and the problems faced by the exporters on Top Priority. He asserted that the Government is serious in the settlement of all kinds of claims of the exporters because this will greatly relieve the burdens exporters are facing. He said that while meeting and interaction with the Value Added Textile Exporters, the problems of production. Investment is a major aspect. The Ministry of Textile will assess the problems and speed up all pending payments.
He said that the Prime Minister's aim is to not only reduce the cost of electricity without the least load shedding. Secretary Textile said that he found that the Textile Exporters were not at all happy with the Government. He assured that we would do our best to speedily clear the refunds, and make all efforts to see that exporters margin of profit is also increased so that they remain making efforts in the Textile field and its exports.
Muhammad Jawed Bilwani enlightened in detail the problems and hurdles of the Textile exporters and asserted that they are not beggars. He demanded that their major demand to the Government is that the tariff of Electricity, Gas and Water the major inputs be brought at par with Regional countries so that the exporters and able to compete in the Global market. The Textile Sector industries are treated at par with the general industries, therefore he requested that the Government to grant separate status and top priority to Textile Export Oriented Industries in the supply of Utilities. Chairman PHMA, Riaz Ahmed demanded immediate withdrawal of EDF and further demanded that this Export Development Fund be immediately transferred to Ministry of Textile so that this fund which has been contributed by the exporters be really used for promotion of exports. He also demanded proper use of DTRE Scheme. Central Chairman-PHMA, Irfan Bawany said that it was a great irony and apathy that the huge liquidity of the exporters worth Rs 150 Billion in Sales Tax, Custom Rebates and DLTL Claims are blocked with the Government.
It was finally resolved in the meeting that the Value Added Textile Associations would prepare consolidated and most pragmatic demands and present to the Secretary Textile in a meeting at the soonest.-PR
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