Over Rs 30 billion exports have lost due to ongoing transport carriers strike for the last ten days. The strike has completely halted the export activities besides damaging the industrial manufacturing capacity. Textile export orders worth billions of rupees feared to be lost.
Talking to newsmen on Wednesday, Asghar Ali, chairman and Muhammad Asif, vice chairman Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA) warned that huge foreign orders would be cancelled due to the strike, this would not only result in huge losses to the exporters, but also to the national exchequer. About 10,000 containers have been held up following the strike, they said.
The strike has crippled exports, which are the lifeline and backbone of the country's economy. A large number of export shipments ready to be shipped as per the deadline given by the foreign buyers, could not reach the ports in time, resulting in the vessel sailing away without the consignment.
This would ultimately have to be sent by air incurring heavy airfreight costs. If the strike prolongs further, this would lead to great loss to the exporters, fearing cancellation of vital orders, they warned. All textile chain is facing immense problems and economic activities came to a halt in export sector, they said adding that the goods transport carriers strike, which has entered into 10th-day has ceased business activities as the goods are not reaching the ports.
Asghar was of the view that textile industry is already facing unprecedented energy crisis, as there is acute load shedding of electricity and gas. Over 30 per cent production capacity has already become redundant and massive lay off is underway throughout Punjab.
The industry relies heavily on export orders during the Christmas season and a crisis like situation in this crucial hour is posing serious threat to the viability of the industry. The industry is not able to meet commitments as our members have made international commitments and failure to perform will lead to disputes, loss of valued customers, loss of market share as well as damaging Pakistan's reputation as a reliable supplier.
PTEA chief also criticise the SNGPL new gas load management schedule for Faisalabad region. They termed half day extra gas shedding compared to other regions totally injustice with industries. Faisalabad being hub of textiles having largest conglomeration of power looms, hosiery, knitwear, printing, other ancillary and value added units and claimant of 4 billion dollars annual export.
They demanded equal distribution of gas shortage to all regions. They further opposed heavy forced electricity load shedding hampering the industrial activities and disturbing the production schedules of exportable goods. PTEA urged the provincial and federal governments to intervene immediately and resolve the issue of transporters without further delay. He further said if the strike is not called off without any delay the exporters will have to face huge financial losses for shipping their goods by air to fulfil their commitments or lose their hard earned export contracts.