MFN status to India to wipe out Pakistan’s home textile industry
ISLAMABAD: Leaders of the garments and home textile industry on Friday said granting MFN status to India will eliminate value-added sector, which is providing jobs to millions and contributing more than any commercial part of the economy to the export earnings.
According to press release, rising input costs, burden of taxes, size of industry, infrastructure, rules and regulations and law and order situation and extortion has increased cost of doing business substantially, they said.
Muhammad Mushtaq, Central Chairman Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, Chairman Pakistan Apparel Forum and M. Naqi Bari Chairman Towel Manufacturers Association of Pakistan said this while talking to Dr. Murtaza Mughal, President of the Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW).
Our production is restricted, exports are shrinking and we stands at disadvantage as far as economy of scale and government’s support is concerned, they complained.
Jawed Bilwani, Muhammad Mushtaq, and Naqi Bari said that instead of moving forward with the value addition, country is going backwards by exporting more of the raw materials like cotton and yarn.
All regional countries are following good practices, paying hidden subsidies while India allows export of surplus cotton only which results in stability for value-added sectors; Pakistan should also follow such enabling policies, they demanded.
At the occasion, Dr. Murtaza Mughal said that a proper regulatory policy for cotton and yarn exports can save one of the most important small scale industry from losing its share to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, China, Vietnam and India. This can reduce closures and bankruptcies, he added.
He said that India offers over 300 million potential customers which can boost economy provided government frame policies that can ensure a competitive edge.
Dr. Murtaza Mughal said that Pakistan cotton and textile exports stands at $14 billion while Indian exports have touched $24 billion, up to our total exports.
He said that government should immediately release local levies drawbacks amounting around Rs 25 billion, held since two years.
Pakistan ranks lowest in the region as far as profit per cotton bale is concerned, he informed. He stressed the need for Joint ventures with foreign apparel manufacturers and introduction of latest technology for locking, creasing, collar pressing, buttoning and cutting etc.
Dr. Mughal informed that Pakistan exports are declining but earning have improved owing to rising prices which should not be claimed as a success.
ONLINE - International News Network