Though local business community still has concerns, Pakistan seems to have placed a lot of faith in the game-changing China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Stakeholders in the textile sector are anticipating a further decline. This because they fear if Chinese companies started relocating their textile units in different tax-free industrial zones in Pakistan, they would go out of business.

According to Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) senior vice president Jawad Choudhry, whenever China enters any country it damages the domestic market. He said the industry is currently facing a decline trend due to the high cost of doing business and productivity, whereas China plays with the price by increasing its production.

Experts believe if China locates its textile units to Pakistan they will have an edge over the existing players due to the benefits, such as tax-free zones, under CPEC. An additional benefit for them would be the energy prices as they are setting up their own power plants to feed their industries in Pakistan.