The Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PHMA) has raised concerns over the exclusion of the knitwear sector from the newly formed Export Advisory Council for Textiles and has urged the Ministry of Commerce to rectify the omission.
In a letter addressed to Federal Minister for Commerce Gohar Ejaz, PHMA Central Chairman Nahid Abbas underscored the importance of representing the knitwear industry, the largest export-earning sector, on the advisory council. He highlighted the significant role played by the PHMA in fostering growth across various sectors of the economy, generating substantial employment, and contributing to national self-reliance.
While acknowledging the efforts to establish the Export Advisory Council, Abbas stressed the need for its composition to be based on merit, ensuring the inclusion of all genuine stakeholders. He expressed confidence that the council, with proper representation, could offer valuable recommendations and measures to enhance textile exports, ultimately providing a substantial boost to the country’s economy.
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PHMA North Zone Chairman Farrukh Iqbal highlighted that despite facing challenges, the knitwear sector has consistently outperformed other export sectors. He urged the government to extend support to this vital sector, which has the potential to lead the country out of crises, contribute significantly to foreign exchange earnings, and create mass employment.
PHMA North Zone Senior Vice Chairman Amanullah Khan voiced strong protests against the neglect of the knitwear sector in the council. He demanded representation for the sector, allowing it to articulate the challenges it faces and contribute to the formulation of progressive policies.
While acknowledging the nomination of respectable personalities to the council, Khan asserted that neglecting the crucial Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) within the industry was unacceptable. He called for the inclusion of the knitwear sector to ensure a comprehensive representation of all stakeholders.
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PHMA leaders highlighted the sector’s role as a major taxpayer, the largest employment generator in the textile chain, and a significant contributor to foreign exchange earnings through export goods. They urged the government to discourage the export of raw materials and instead incentivise the export of value-added products.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 25th, 2023.
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