LAHORE: All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) Wednesday welcomed resumption of gas supply to Punjab-based textile industry on special initiative of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif.
The APTMA Chairman S.M. Tanveer in a press briefing said that SNGPL would ensure four hours gas supply to Punjab-based textile industry captive power and 20 percent for processing use by February 18 evening, that would gradually be increased on daily basis.
He said 'APTMA will fight for round the clock gas supply as envisaged in recently announced Textile Policy 2014-19.'
To a question, he said the SNGPL had suspended gas supply to Punjab-based textile industry on February 9 till further notice and sudden suspension had started impacting the viability of textile industry by and large. Especially, exports orders were in doldrums due to partial closures of shift in the industry.
On the other hand, he added, the domestic commerce also witnessing surge in import of fine count cotton yarn from India, already increased to 30,000 tons in 2013-14 against 18000 tons in 2012-13 and 6000 tons in 2011-12 respectively, while, the import of polyester man-made fiber reached to 43000 tons per annum.
He said the SDPI (Sustainable Development Policy Institute) study has revealed that Pakistan's domestic commerce was witnessing $1.7 billion entry of synthetic fiber through smuggling.
The Punjab-based textile industry was hit hard from both ends, i.e. on account of energy supply and dumping of yarn and fabric from India, he added. The Association Chairman said the textile industry associations were all set to hold emergent meetings to chalk out a strategy, however, timely intervention of Punjab Chief Minister resulted into resumption of gas supply.
To another question, he said, the APTMA was seeking gas to ensure energy affordability for industry operations, as the Punjab-based textile mills were not getting energy at eight cents like regional competitors. Gas supply was not meant for APTMA members only and instead the whole textile value chain was the beneficiary of the supply, he added.
S.M. Tanveer also appreciated the Textile Policy 2014-19 and hoped that initiatives taken would lead to growth in textile exports. It was also impressive to note that new textile policy also envisaged 24 hours gas supply to textile industry across the country, he added.
S.M. Tanveer also thanked the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Textile Minister Abbas Khan Afridi and Federal Minister for Petroleum & Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi for their support to the industry.
While, the APTMA Group Leader Gohar Ejaz also appreciated Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif for honouring his commitment to ensure gas supply to the Punjab-based textile industry during winter season.
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