Pakistani exporters seek permission for two shifts

Request govt to allow them to work on Saturdays as well

LAHORE: Textile exporters have urged the government to exempt export-oriented units in Punjab from lockdown restrictions on Saturdays as well besides allowing them to operate in two shifts to meet export orders while complying with the standard operating procedures (SOPs).

In a statement on Thursday, Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) Regional Chairman Sohail Sheikh and Chief Coordinator Ijaz Khokhar emphasised that such units were strictly following the SOPs laid down by the government.

They were of the view that permission to work in two shifts would improve implementation of the social distancing measures during industrial operations without having to reduce the size of workforce and resorting to layoffs at such a crucial time.

“Exporters are highly perturbed by the uncertainty and want to finish their pending export orders,” they said. “Industrial operations on Saturdays will allow them to prepare export consignments and send shipments, which will help to avoid colossal financial losses.”

Sheikh appreciated the government for allowing export-oriented industries to resume work and emphasised that the relief should be extended to Saturdays as well.

However, he voiced fear that the sector may suffer up to 30% export losses if it operated in a single shift and work remained suspended on Saturdays.

He said the closure of industries and suspension of economic activities were not a solution to the coronavirus rather keeping businesses functioning while taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of people should be prioritised.

Khokhar stressed the need for collective efforts to mitigate the challenges faced by the export industry for sustainable socio-economic development.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 26^th, 2020.

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