GSP Plus status: APTMA chairman says textile exports have risen
Real potential has not yet been realised.
LAHORE:
All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) Chairman S M Tanveer said Pakistan’s exports to the European Union have increased 29% during January to September 2014, after receiving the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus from the EU.
However, he said, the real potential of the facility could not be materialised due to a severe energy crisis since April 2014. There was surge in exports to the EU during the first three months followed by a continuous decline, he added.
He was speaking during the visit of Punjab Governor Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar and members of the European Parliament.
The chairman said the industry is presently facing challenges of energy availability and affordability, leading to the high cost of doing business.
“It is unfortunate that the cost of energy for the textile industry is far more expensive at around 16 cents/ kilowatt-hour (kWh) compared to the textile industry in the region, which costs at 7-9 cents/kWh,” he said.
According to him, Aptma has undertaken a number of initiatives to keep the industry at par with the global standards and expectations. The latest initiatives include setting up of a Sustainable Production Centre for energy efficiency, renewable energy and environment besides ensuring Corporate Social Responsibility, and water conservation.
Speaking on the occasion, the Punjab governor expressed hope that the textile industry would avail the full potential of the GSP Plus status.
He said the Ministry of Water and Power should prioritise the textile industry in energy supplies on affordable price to get maximum benefit of the market access facility.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 5th, 2014.
All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) Chairman S M Tanveer said Pakistan’s exports to the European Union have increased 29% during January to September 2014, after receiving the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus from the EU.
However, he said, the real potential of the facility could not be materialised due to a severe energy crisis since April 2014. There was surge in exports to the EU during the first three months followed by a continuous decline, he added.
He was speaking during the visit of Punjab Governor Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar and members of the European Parliament.
The chairman said the industry is presently facing challenges of energy availability and affordability, leading to the high cost of doing business.
“It is unfortunate that the cost of energy for the textile industry is far more expensive at around 16 cents/ kilowatt-hour (kWh) compared to the textile industry in the region, which costs at 7-9 cents/kWh,” he said.
According to him, Aptma has undertaken a number of initiatives to keep the industry at par with the global standards and expectations. The latest initiatives include setting up of a Sustainable Production Centre for energy efficiency, renewable energy and environment besides ensuring Corporate Social Responsibility, and water conservation.
Speaking on the occasion, the Punjab governor expressed hope that the textile industry would avail the full potential of the GSP Plus status.
He said the Ministry of Water and Power should prioritise the textile industry in energy supplies on affordable price to get maximum benefit of the market access facility.
EU Committee on Overseas Development and Cooperation Coordinator Nirj Diva said the committee was planning to provide grant for clean water projects in Punjab. He said he met the Punjab chief minister to extend cooperation in education, health and other social sector projects.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 5th, 2014.