ISLAMABAD: Owing to prudent economic policies initiated by the PML-N government, the textile exports increased by 8% while those in all value added categories showed higher increase i.e. bed wear by 21%, hosiery by 10% and readymade garments by 9% during July-March 2013-14.
According to data regarding government's one year performance in the textile sector, disbursements of Rs. 3.5 billion were released in shape of drawbacks, export finance support and mark-up support against Rs 2 billion previous year (2012-13).
The data said that productivity benchmarking of ginning, knit processing and knit stitching sector was completed in August 2013.
It added that draft Textiles Law for rationalization of cess collection and implementation of the developmental programmes for textiles sector, has been completed with skill development of 600 people, specially women in collaboration with International Labour Organization (ILO).
"The Ministry of Textile Industry is formulating Textile Policy 2014-19 in consultation with stakeholders to double the exports from $13 billion to $26 billion. In this regard, final consultative conferences are to be held in Karachi, Lahore and Faisalabad", said a report on the ministry's performance.
The ministry, during the year, had given comprehensive proposals for opening up trade with India while protecting the domestic manufacturing to ensure a level playing field and as a first step, restored 5% custom duty on cotton yarn.
It added that the negotiations were still on with the ILO for introduction of Better Work Programme in Pakistan next year.
"The ministry facilitated Made in Pakistan Readymade Garment Exhibition in Mumbai, India in April 2014", it added.
The ministry organized three awareness seminars on GSP plus and initiated fiber diversification plans for wool, silk and polyester, including handloom and embroidery, especially in Swat, Charsadda and Kohat.
The report further said that investment by private sector increased in first six months of ongoing fiscal year, i.e., $ 319 million compared to $ 229 million previous year.
It added a vocational training programme for 120,000 unskilled workers, mostly women, was forwarded to the Planning Commission for approval.
The ministry successfully lobbied with the ministries of Climate Change and National Food Security for approval of 15 cotton varieties and holding of NBC after three years.
The report said the first ginning institute in Multan had become functional.
It added that the restructuring plan for Pakistan Central Cotton Committee had been submitted to the quarters concerned while research programme in collaboration with Chinese companies was being started to increase cotton yield by 30%.
The report said cotton target of 15.1 million bales was set for the year 2014-15.
The report said the ministry had planned a relay crop project to introduce cotton in standing wheat plantation.
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