Pakistan minister seeks ideas to boost textile sector

The Pakistani Government will come out with short- and long-term remedial strategies to improve the textile sector, minister of state for commerce and textile Haji Muhammad Akram Ansari said at a function of the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) recently. The minister asked all stakeholders to submit their proposals within a week.

The proposals will be presented to the Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, according to media reports in Pakistan. Ansari said he would speak to the prime minister about the Rs 180-billion textile package and issuance of notification for the release of the remaining Rs 120 billion at the cabinet meeting scheduled on 22 August. He would request the prime minister to provide the relief unconditionally, he said.

The textile industry is facing new types of problems, including high cost of doing business and delay in payment of refund claims, he said. He also promised to take up the issue of difference in gas prices for Punjab and Sindh with the ministries concerned.