A delegation of the European Union Trade Office of Generalised System of Preferences Programme visited the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) and reviewed the benefits of generalised system of preferences plus facility to Pakistan and the progress so far made on implementation of social standards related to labour and environment laws. Trade Office Generalised System of Preferences Programme Director General Marc Vanheukelen led the delegation with Acting EU Ambassador HE Stefano Gatto.
All Pakistan Textile Mills Association Punjab Chairman Sheikh Muhammad Akbar welcomed the delegation, saying the textile exports had started showing progress in the EU market because of the generalised system of preferences plus facility. "Textile exports have witnessed increase in apparel products by 24 percent in volume and 30 percent in value terms from January to December 2014," he said.
But he said the growth pattern never commensurated with the potential of the industry following the productivity constraints, particularly the energy. "Both the industry and the government are working on various solutions for the availability of energy at regionally competitive tariff," he added. He also said APTMA and the GIZ had launched a series of initiatives including energy conservation, use of renewable energy, water conservation, material flow management and implementation of social standards in Punjab-based garment industry. He said APTMA was also working on better cotton initiative with best practices covering lesser use of water and pesticides.
In his speech, Director General Vanheukelen praised the APTMA's efforts for the compliance of the industry he explained that in January 2016, and every two years thereafter, the commission should present to the European Parliament and to the Council a report on the status of ratification of the relevant conventions. He said the main focus was on implementing human rights including labour right, child labour, women right on floor level, gender balances, OHAS standards, and unionisation.
He also said, "We are witnessing a change in Pakistan and things are now getting better, legislations are there with the sense of willingness." Association's Convenor International Trade Aamir Fayyaz Sheikh made a detailed presentation on sustainability and way forward for the textile industry under enhanced market access and explained the state of the textile industry in Pakistan.