ISLAMABAD
\nFederal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, accompanied by senior officers of Ministry of Commerce, held a consultative session in hybrid mode with Chairmen and representatives of Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PHMA), Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA), Pakistan Textile Council (PTC), Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA), All Pakistan Bedsheets and Upholstery Manufacturers Association (APBUMA), and Towel Manufacturers Association (TMA) at the Ministry of Commerce to thoroughly examine the key challenges facing the value-added apparel and textile sector and devise strategic measures aimed at strengthening its global competitiveness and substantially accelerating export growth.
\nThe industry representatives delivered a detailed presentation outlining the key challenges impeding export growth, notably the substantial burden of upfront taxes; elevated energy tariffs combined with infrastructural limitations; ongoing liquidity constraints caused by pending refunds; limitations under temporary importation scheme, including reduced utilization periods; insufficient credit limits under Export Finance Scheme that restrict access to necessary working capital; and repeated policy shifts that significantly curtail the sector\u2019s export expansion potential.
\nJam Kamal Khan reaffirmed the government\u2019s support, recognizing value-added apparel and textile sector a cornerstone of Pakistan\u2019s exports and employment generation. Pakistan is one of the few countries in the world with vertically integrated supply chain which is significantly contributing in socio-economic development of the country, and government will extend maximum support for its sustainability and growth,\u201d he added.
\nThe Minister stated that a dedicated technical committee, as per the directions of the Prime Minister, has already been constituted to review the issue of limited utilization period under Export Facilitation Scheme and submit its recommendations for the immediate resolution of these constraints.
\nRepresentatives of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) suggested that the State Bank of Pakistan and EXIM Bank issue clear and explicit regulatory guidelines to ensure the uniform acceptance of foreign master Letters of Credit (LCs) by commercial banks as collateral for opening Back-to-Back LCs, thereby enhancing exporters access to working capital and enabling them to further untap global business opportunities.
\nThey further advocated for the inclusion of representatives from value- added exporters on SMEDA Board and other pertinent forums, to promote greater inclusivity and ensure active participation in policy formulation processes. The Federal Minister reiterated the Ministry of Commerce\u2019s unwavering commitment to providing all necessary facilitation to exporters, including MSMEs.
\nHe further assured that matters concerning back-to-back LCs would be actively pursued with the relevant authorities to ensure smoother and more effective implementation. Industry representatives stressed the urgent need to align Pakistan\u2019s export policy with those of regional competitors to enhance global competitiveness.
\nThey affirmed that such alignment is essential for strengthening Pakistan\u2019s position in international markets, while highlighting the critical importance of long-term policy stability and the swift implementation of measures to reinforce and safeguard the sector\u2019s competitive position.
\nThe Minister expressed optimism about increasing national exports through coordinated and inclusive engagement. He encouraged industry to focus on potential in existing markets, explore new markets and diversify more to high-value finished products. He further invited consolidated proposals from the apparel and textile industry, stating that the Ministry would categorize them into immediate, budget-linked and structural reforms, and submit to the Prime Minister for final consideration.
\nThe meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continued structured dialogue and coordinated action aimed at enhancing Pakistan\u2019s export competitiveness and supporting sustainable export growth.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ISLAMABAD Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, accompanied by senior officers of Ministry of Commerce, held a consultative session in hybrid mode with Chairmen and representatives of Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PHMA), Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA), Pakistan Textile Council (PTC), Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA), All Pakistan Bedsheets […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-533851","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-top-news"},"yoast_head":"\n