PRGMEA urges independent clothing policy

LAHORE:

The Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) is pushing for a revision of the Textile Policy, calling on the government to introduce a separate five-year ‘Apparel Policy’, decoupling the apparel sector from textiles. This invitation comes in light of the expiry of the GSP Plus status and the impending submission of the US International Trade Commission (ITC) report on the competitiveness of Pakistan’s apparel industry at the end of August this year.

PRGMEA Central Chairman Mubashar Naseer Butt lauded the government’s swift response to the US ITC report on the competitiveness of Pakistan’s apparel industry. He noted the significance of this move, stating that it is a valuable opportunity for Pakistan’s apparel industry to boost its exports. Highlighting the importance of the industry, Bhatt stressed the need to strengthen it and give it a distinct identity.

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Butt advocated the launch of a new and independent clothing policy aligned with the textile policy for the next five years. He called for the constitution of a Apparel Council at the federal level to address the specific challenges of the industry and stabilize textile exports. He also highlighted the differences between the clothing and textile sectors, reiterating the need for targeted policies.

The clothing industry, with its potential to create jobs with relatively low investment and energy needs, promises enormous potential. Butt pointed out the importance of the sector in the global markets and emphasized the need for Pakistan to take full advantage of the emerging opportunities, especially in the US market.

Pakistan’s apparel sector, with about 85% of its exports destined for the US, would benefit greatly from fully exploiting this opportunity.

PRGMEA EC member Sajid Saleem Minhas emphasized the need for duty-free access to the US market and called for government support to enhance the competitiveness of the value-added textile industry.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 28^u2024.

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