For Pakistan, revival of idle capacity in the textile industry would be top priority. Gas prices would be rationalized for the textile industry throughout the country from October. A level playing field would be provided to the textile industry in order to boost exports. Obstacles to import of raw materials, both cotton and manmade fiber, would be removed. Refunds on account of sales tax and duty drawbacks would be expedited. An enabling environment would be provided for the industry to undertake new investments.

Pakistan’s textile exports fell 0.49 per cent in July 2018 compared to the same month a year before. Exports of cotton cloth decreased 9.94 per cent. Exports of bed wear decreased by 3.56 per cent. Tents, canvas and tarpaulin exports declined 4.73 per cent. Exports of readymade garments decreased 0.46 per cent. Exports of art, silk and synthetic textiles contracted 16.02 per cent. Exports of made-up articles went down 6.91 per cent.

With the largest share, textiles make up around 60 per cent of the country’s total exports. Pakistan’s competitors are upping the ante on textile exports to make inroads into more global markets. While China’s share in global textile exports is 36 per cent, Vietnam contributes 12.4 per cent, and Pakistan seven per cent.