PRGMEA urges independent apparel policy

Butt called for the establishment of an Apparel Council at federal level to address sector-specific challenges

LAHORE:

The Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) is pressing for the revision of the Textile Policy, calling on the government to introduce a separate five-year ‘Apparel Policy’, detaching the garment sector from textiles. This call comes in light of the expiration of the GSP Plus status and the forthcoming submission of the US International Trade Commission’s (ITC) report on Pakistan’s apparel industry competitiveness at the end of August this year.

PRGMEA Central Chairman Mubashar Naseer Butt commended the government’s swift response to the US ITC report on the competitiveness of Pakistan’s apparel industry. He observed the significance of this move, stating that it presents a valuable opportunity for Pakistan’s apparel sector to enhance its exports. Highlighting the sector’s importance, Butt stressed the need to strengthen it and give it a distinct identity.

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Butt advocated for the launch of a new and independent apparel policy aligned with the textile policy for the next five years. He called for the establishment of an Apparel Council at the federal level to address sector-specific challenges and stabilise textile exports. He also underscored the differences between the garment and textile sectors, reiterating the need for targeted policies.

The garment sector, with its potential to create jobs with relatively low investment and energy needs, holds immense promise. Butt pointed out the sector’s significance in global markets and highlighted the need for Pakistan to fully capitalise on emerging opportunities, especially in the US market.

Pakistan’s apparel sector, with around 85% of its exports going to the US, stands to benefit significantly from fully exploiting this opportunity.

PRGMEA EC member Sajid Saleem Minhas highlighted the need for duty-free access to the US market and called for government support to enhance the competitiveness of the value-added textile industry.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 28^th, 2024.

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