Pakistan is introducing new technology in the textile industry. Sectors such as spinning, weaving, processing and value addition are being revamped. The industry is facing many problems such as frequent power outages, gas load- shedding, inflation and lack of technology and infrastructure.

Textile exports make up 60 per cent of total shipments from Pakistan. The textile sector contributes 10 per cent to the total GDP whereas it is also employing 39 per cent of the labor force. Of the total exports worth 17 billion dollars, the textile sector contributes more than ten billion dollars.

During the period of textile quotas, the country mostly exported thread-cum-cloth and exports did not exceeded four billion dollars. With the end of the quota system, the country has a chance to concentrate on value addition.

R&D support is being given to the industry. Garment cities will come up in Karachi, Lahore and Faisalabad. Under a program 40,000 unskilled laborers would be trained. Manufacturers have been made to realize that induction of modern machinery and technology is essential for them to maintain their competitive edge.

Technical textiles is another area Pakistan is focusing on. In the near future the country’s cotton crop would be utilised in value addition.