Summary APTMA Chairman Asad Shafi says the association will pursue a practical roadmap to boost textile exports, seeking competitive energy and financing costs and faster tax refunds.
LAHORE (Dunya News) - Newly elected All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) Chairman Asad Shafi has made increasing textile exports his top priority, saying the association will work on a practical roadmap to expand Pakistan’s share in international markets.
Shafi said Pakistan’s textile industry had the potential to increase exports by another $3 billion during the current year, while the sector could raise textile exports by $10 billion over the next two to three years.
He called for a competitive and predictable business environment for the textile industry, saying consistent policies and affordable energy and financing were essential for improving the sector’s international competitiveness.
The APTMA chairman said value-added products already account for more than 80% of Pakistan’s textile exports, adding that the industry needed to move further towards higher-value products and stronger international market integration.
He said APTMA would seek to bring the entire textile value chain onto a single platform by involving international brands and retailers.
Pakistan, he said, needed to move beyond simply manufacturing textile products and develop greater capacity in design, branding and global sales.
Shafi called for industrial electricity prices to be set at 7 cents per unit, gas at $7 per MMBtu and financing costs at 7%, saying these measures would help improve the competitiveness of Pakistani textile exporters.
He also called for the immediate payment of sales tax and income tax refunds owed to exporters, saying timely refunds were important for maintaining liquidity and supporting business operations.
The APTMA chairman said the textile sector could play a larger role in increasing Pakistan’s export earnings if policymakers and industry worked together on a long-term strategy.
He said the association would engage with relevant government institutions to identify obstacles facing textile manufacturers and exporters and seek practical solutions.
Shafi emphasised the need for a business environment in which investors and exporters could plan their operations with greater certainty.
He said expanding exports would require cooperation across the textile value chain, including manufacturers, brands, retailers and government institutions.
The APTMA leadership, he added, would focus on measures aimed at improving competitiveness, expanding international market access and increasing the value of Pakistan’s textile exports.
