Textile value-addition stressed to increase exports

KARACHI: Governor Sindh Mohammad Zubair on Friday emphasised value-addition in textile sector to increase exports, boost domestic economy and create jobs opportunities.

“Value addition in textile sector is of immense importance as it is a crucial component of our exports,” Zubair said while talking with Humyoun Zafar, president of Textile Institute of Pakistan (TIP). Abdul Jabbar, dean/director of Quality Enhancement Cell TIP was also present on the occasion, a governor house’s statement said.

Governor Sindh said value addition is the way forward for textile industry and as it guarantees enhancement in exports and would also result in accelerated industrialisation and employment opportunities.

Zubair, while pointing towards various incentives for textile sector, said separate ministry was constituted owing to the importance of the sector to resolve the problems being confronted by the industry as well as boost garments exports.

He said the government is resolving issues of the textile sector that contributes more than 50 percent in the country exports and generates around 38 percent of employment. “During this fiscal year exports have again picked up momentum as compared to previous fiscal year and textile sector’s performance is also improving,” he added.

Governor Sindh said there is room for further expansion of the textile sector with improvement in law and order and energy situations. “As compared to 2013, Pakistan is a changed country now with conducive environment for both local and foreign investors,” he added.

Zubair hoped that textile sector would perform better in all the six major sub-sectors, including spinning, weaving, processing, printing, garment manufacturing, and yarn manufacturing, by adopting value addition and modern techniques.

Governor Sindh lauded contributions of Textile Institute of Pakistan in producing professionals of highest quality in textile science, design technology, management and marketing, apparel manufacturing and merchandizing, fashion design management and industrial manufacturing and management. “It is commendable that graduates of TIP are performing at the highest level both in and outside the country.”

Zubair said problems confronted by Textile Institute of Pakistan would be resolved in consultation with concerned quarters to facilitate the institute in its functioning. Zafar said graduates from Textile Institute of Pakistan are engaged in textile industry in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.