11.22% in 2017-18 growth in value added garment sector of the textile industry

Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) Chief Coordinator Ijaz Khokhar advised the government to split the textile sector into three categories namely raw material, home textile and apparel adding that the sector presently comprises of multiple sub-sectors, all having different functions and activities. The chief coordinator further stated that the value-added garment sector of the textile industry showed a growth of 11.22% in 2017-18. He added that, “The value-added garment sector is a major tax payer, largest employment generator and exporter of up to $5.5 billion products.” Also,” The sector has a huge scope of expansion.”

He said that at this moment there was a great need of establishing ‘Garment Export Promotion Council’ comprising of public and private sector to monitor garment activity and policy making for the reason of maximizing exports.

Khokhar indicated the need of exploring non-conventional international markets in a bid to push export volume. Talking to APP, he said that display centres (Pakistan Trade House) should be established in Dubai and Rotterdam to facilitate the domestic exporter community. “A large number of foreign businessmen are visiting Dubai because it has become a major trade and business hub,” he said. Also, “Setting up the display centres would facilitate the domestic entrepreneurs to settle their business deals with ease as well as help reduce the additional burden of travel cost.”