Public/Private Sectors to join hand together to defend the label Made in Pakistan
Karachi: Central Chairman Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturer and Exporters association (PRGMEA) Mohsin Ayub Mirza has said that apparel industry of Pakistan is already at a verge of collapse due to non-availability of electricity and 6% further rise in electricity tariffs would put the industry into serious crisis.
The utilities disturbed supply has resulted in a complete catastrophe for the industry but mainly for the small players who dont have their own emergency power generation.
He said that due to power shortages, we are unable to deliver the foreign orders on time thus we are losing credibility in the world and India, China and Bangladesh are fast filling the gap with cheap rates and timely delivery of apparel goods.
He said that we will request the government to cap the electricity prices for two years for Textile Sector so that we could work out better pricing to compete in International markets.
He said that government has set the export target of US$ 25 billion for textile sector. Based on this target, proper marketing strategy has to be defined and implemented. For this we have to set up Trade Houses world wide like Korea, Indonesia etc. Local Professional should be hired for this purpose to create an image of Pakistan and promotes its product.
He informed that due to fierce competition by India, China and Bangladesh and high cost of doing business in Pakistan, countrys apparel sector is fast becoming uncompetitive and we are losing the business due to our high cost occurrence and poor efficiencies are further adding to the problem.
He said we need to work hard together for strengthening the image of our country. We need to improve the law and order situation in the country. He said that exposure of our products in International markets through trade officers should be our government priority while good quality, good compliance and timely delivery could ensure the respect of label Made in Pakistan.
He said that Textile Policy has been appreciated throughout by the industry and the best government could do in these difficult circumstances they have done it. Thanks for the efforts made by the Honorable Minister Rana, Mr. Waquar Masood and Mr. Naseem Qureshi and I also appreciate the efforts by Idress Ahmed textile commissioner for promoting training centers in textile units.
We need to establish training centers across Pakistan to introduce Textile as a subject in the curriculum so that our new generation could learn about the potential of this industry. Training of Middle Management is seriously lacking, we should have institute giving Diploma for merchandising since in todays world communication is the most important and the merchandiser should have proper understanding of handling orders.
One single factor which could result in immediate boost is the GSP and no duty on our products to European Union & America. Our government especially His Excellency Mr. President has been working in this direction. Lets pray and hope that we get this GSP Support. This would definitely result in boost of our export since competitors like Srilanka and Bangladesh already enjoying the same.
60% of the balance R&D matter should be immediately resolved since because of crisis the industry is already facing serious liquidity problems. This money should be immediately reimbursed since I feel that Justice delayed is justice denied.