PTI Chairman Imran Khan briefed on APTMA’s policy framework for textile industry

LAHORE: The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) Chairman Aamir Fayyaz has briefed Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan on the issues being faced by the textile industry.

He explained the textile industry policy framework to the PTI Chairman who visited APTMA Punjab on Thursday.

Imran Khan said the PTI has incorporated most of the recommendations of APTMA in its economic policy. He said the PTI would remove Gas Infrastructure Development Cess (GIDC) and ensure an equal energy price countrywide to make the textile industry competitive.

Aamir informed the visiting leader that the APTMA leadership has decided to share its vision with the political leadership of all the political parties ahead of the general elections. Accordingly, the APTMA management has extended invitation to all the political parties and Imran Khan is first among them to attend the briefing. He was accompanied by Asad Umar, Sh Rashid, Ch Muhammad Sarwar, Mohsin Aziz and PTI Textile policy owner Zafar Iqbal Sarwar. A good number of APTMA members, including the group leader Gohar Ejaz were present to receive the PTI Chairman.

Dilating upon the APTMA’s policy framework, Chairman APTMA said the industry was seeking enabling environment for setting up of 1000 garment / made ups factories to promote exports of value added textile products.

He also pleaded for extension of duty drawback scheme for 5 years besides demanding an increase of  drawbacks  by 1% for garments (up to 12%) and made-ups (up to 10%) payment against realization of export proceeds every year by.

He said the government should provide RLNG/Natural gas (inclusive of GIDC) at Rs.600/MMBTU to the Industry across the country.

Also, he said, the government should withdraw surcharges (Rs. 3.50/kWh) to bring electricity tariff at par with region @ Rs. 7/KWh.

He said foreign brands should be encouraged to establish buying houses in commercial enclaves in major cities where rent-free space should be provided If the brand / buying house fetches a minimum of $100 million per annum exports. The availability of rent free space should be extended for another 2 years, he added.

He has sought the provision of Rs. 0.1 million per annum per worker for skill development for men / women workforce under skill development program.

Chairman APTMA has also sought LTFF to indirect exports, Islamic mode of financing and building of infrastructure for garment plants.