Pakistan occupied first position in export of woven
fabrics of synthetic staple to Malaysia with 30.53% share
amongst the top five exporters valuing at around RM12.91
million. In bed linen sector, Pakistan occupied 4th position
with total share of 14.96% valuing around RM17.01 million.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) notified the concession
of duty free import of cotton yarn to ensure yarn availability
for the textile chain of the country. The FBR has made it
mandatory that yarn imported would not be allowed for retail
sale and imports would be limited to textile units which are
using it as raw material at their mills.
Value Added Textile Sector has welcomed the federal
Cabinet Committee's decision to cap export of cotton yarn and
termed it a right decision towards a right direction and
partial solution of the prevailing crisis. Vice Chairman PTEA,
Rana Mushtaq Khan said the Cabinet decision will help increase
the immediate availability of yarn by 20%.
Pakistan textile sector can benefit greatly through
interaction with German organizations with specialized
expertise and state-of-the-art know-how of the textile
industry, said Dr Christian Brecht, Consul General of Germany
in Karachi. Germany had a lot to offer through its technology
and experience in the textile sector and his country is
exploring ways and means as to how it could help Pakistan
textile industry.
Leaders of value-added textile sector while criticizing
government’s indifferent attitude towards issues confronting
the industry demanded immediate amendment in the Ministry of
Commerce SRO 26(i)/2010 of January 14, 2010 With globally
short cotton crop the availability of yarn has also declined
resulting in high demand by big players like China.
Chairman Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA)
Khurram Mukhtar said that recent Trade Policy had targeted 6%
growth in exports while the last six months trading trend has
shown 3% fall in exports.
The government is trying to negotiate with the European
Union to get Generalized System of Preferences-plus status for
Pakistan which will help exporters to compete in European
markets. In this regard, a booklet and a documentary have been
prepared so Pakistan’s case can be well presented in the
European Union.
APTMA Chairman Anwar Ahmed Tata said that during last
three-four months production of yarn has increased to 245,000
tonnes per month, out of which requirement for downstream
industry is 110,000 tonne per month as weaving sector consumes
60,000 tonnes per month, hence there is an additional quantity
of 25,000 tonnes per month available after imposition of
quota.
Kenyan High Commissioner in Pakistan Mishi Masika Mwatsahu
has said a lot of potential existed for export of textile
made-ups and machinery to Kenya and Pakistani businessmen
should avail of this opportunity. He said Kenya and Pakistan
needed to concentrate on available opportunities as the Kenyan
government had very recently made special arrangements with
regional countries for free movement of goods.
The Ministry of Textile has disbursed Rs 1 billion among
200 registered units, which had submitted research and
development (R&D) claims. The government had earmarked Rs 5.6
billion for R&D claims. Around 10,000 exporters' R&D claims
are pending, but only 298, registered with the R&D Cell of the
Ministry of Textile, have been assured reimbursement.
The increasing cotton prices hit a historic level when the
physical business took place at Rs 5,050 per maund. Due to
shortfall of around 2.5 million bales, the textile and
spinning sectors are eager to consolidate their long positions
in order to minimise the export price, which is rising on
increasing dollar, said an expert on cotton Fazal Ahmad Khilji.
Petroleum Minister Naveed Qamar has directed Sui Northern
Gas Pipelines Limited to give priority to the textile industry
in gas supply so that the industry could plan and manage its
production process. The Minister issued the directive after
All Pakistan Textile Mills Association’s Punjab Chairman Gohar
Ejaz briefed him about concerns of the textile industry. The
Minister gave assurance to the industry that equitable
distribution of gas between Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan and
Sheikhupura would be ensured.
Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers Association (PHMA), an
organisation of Knitwear manufacturers, is planning to set up
show room and warehouses in UK with the purpose of
facilitating the UK based importers, said Junaid Makda, Deputy
Chief Co-ordinator, PHMA.
The exports of carpet from Pakistan would exceed $200
million mark during the current fiscal as compared to last
year's $145 million exports, despite some drawbacks, said
Chairman Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters
Association (PCMEA) Pervaiz Hanif. He said the increase in
exports would be mainly due to the orders which Pakistani
carpet exporters obtained during Domotex carpet fair which is
the largest such event in the world.
APTMA Chairman Anwar Ahmed Tata said because of the
restriction on export of cotton yarn the spinners would be
reluctant to import cotton and it is feared that there will be
shortage of raw cotton and yarn from April onwards. He further
said downstream industry of China and India are competing in
the international market even though they are getting much
costlier yarn after payment of duty on its import, while our
industry is getting yarn at cheaper rate.
