Mubashar Naseer Butt is chairman of the Pakistan Readymade Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association.

He will continue with his efforts for the promotion and protection of the value-added textile industry and top priorities would be early clearances of outstanding refund cases, resolution of tax related issues, and a favorable environment for the promotion of the garment industry in Pakistan.

Pakistan is committed to reducing the cost of doing business for export-oriented sectors including textiles and reducing the current account deficit. Value-added products are being promoted. Other steps taken include the supply of energy at competitive tariffs, monetary disbursements to mitigate prevailing liquidity issues due to severe economic challenges, duty-free import of cotton and reduction of custom duties on import of dyes and chemicals, and duty-free import of textiles and apparel machinery.

The textile industry is faced with countless opportunities to capture a greater market share, but state reforms in energy, technological upgradation, diversification and value addition will be necessary in order to enhance the potential of the sector and facilitate economic growth. Pakistan’s exportershandled disruptions such as the Covid pandemic very well especially in comparison to regional competitor Bangladesh.To maintain the current momentum, the textile sector has committed to unprecedented value addition by committing to setting up 1000 garment plants.