LAHORE – President Asif Ali Zardari has expeditiously issued directions on the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) proposals regarding an increase in cotton production and availability of energy to the industry.
It may be noted that APTMA Chairman Gohar Ejaz had presented textile’s vision to the president, on behalf of the textile industry, during APTMA’s annual dinner in the presidency on February 11, 2011. The textile vision includes short and long term measures to overcome energy crisis, increase in raw materials production and globally competitive interest rate regime for capitalisation, market access and policy-implementation divide.
According to the textile vision, textile exports may touch the magical figure of $50 billion in five years instead of merely $25 billion, as envisaged by the first ever five-year textile policy of the federal government. APTMA spokesman said that the president has directed constitution of two separate committees. The committee, on cotton, will devise a plan of action for an improvement in all sectors and would give a monthly briefing to the president.
Another committee on shortage of gas will submit proposals for resolution of short and long term issues relating to production, import, distribution and pricing of gas. This committee will submit its interim report within three weeks. An APTMA spokesman said that APTMA Chairman Gohar Ejaz had pointed out that immediate steps are required to increase cotton production per hectare.
He had mentioned that Pakistan is currently producing 570 kg per hectare against 1250 kg per hectare in China, the spokesman added. He said the President has accordingly constituted a committee with agriculture researchers, industry stakeholders and government representatives to meet on regular basis. He further said that the APTMA chairman had stressed on the need of importing LNG in bulk.
Zardari directs action on APTMA proposals
