Exporters have said due to non-serious attitude of the government the textile export target of $14 billion cannot be achieved by the end of current fiscal 2010-11. The government should ensure free market mechanism, uninterrupted supply of gas, electricity and lower bank mark up to facilitate the industry.
According to the latest textile exports data, total exports have touched $12.48 billion mark in May 2011. It needs another $1.52 billion by June 30, 2011 to achieve the export target of $14 billion. The textile circles have expressed fear of missing the export target due to the reasons obvious to the quarters concerned.
Chairman Aptma, Gohar Ejaz had pledged to achieve $14 billion exports target during current fiscal in February this year. Aptma, for the first time in its history had organised its annual dinner at the presidency on the desire of President Zardari. The chairman Aptma had urged the president to ensure free market mechanism, uninterrupted gas supply to industry and single digit interest rate as a prerequisite. The textile industry circles said the non-serious attitude of government policymakers is a stumbling block in achieving the export target of $14 billion during current fiscal.
The textile circles said the government should immediately ensure uninterrupted gas supply to help the industry benefit from favourable international business conditions. They added that the bank mark up should also be brought down to single digit in order to facilitate the industry for expanding its operations.