Industrial sector urged to come forward to achieve objectives

FAISALABAD: The government has declared 2011 as Textile Year so industrial sector should come forward with a renewed vigor and commitment to achieve its objectives.

This was stated by Chaudhary Shahzad Siddique, newly elected vice chairman Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA), while addressing the annual general meeting of PTEA here on Saturday.

The PTEA vice chairman said that government should also facilitate exporters and fulfill its earlier commitments for the revival of textile sector.

He said that textile was the mainstay of national economy but due to multiple international and domestic factors, it was passing through a deep crisis.

He said the government was fully aware of the importance of the textile sector and in this respect, 2011 was declared a textile year with clear objectives to revive this vital segment of national economy.

Siddique urged the government to ensure continuous supply of electricity and gas and in addition to resolve its other problems on priority.

Former Vice Chairman PTEA, Adil Manzoor Ellahi was concerned about the deteriorating law and order situation coupled with continuous bomb blasts and suicide hits which have tarnished the image of the country.

He said that private sector alone could not absorb the shocks and the government must come forward with proactive and result oriented strategy to save it from total collapse.

Earlier, speaking on the occasion, outgoing Chairman Waseem Lateef presented a detailed report of his performance during the year.

He said that personalized attention to difficulties and problems confronting the exporter members at individual and local levels have been the hallmark of the tenure.

Textile export and industry remained under continuous stress due to energy crisis causing dislocation of production process and job losses, he said.

Cost of utilities like petroleum, gas and electricity continued to rise intermittently, adding to the cost of production.

Credit must be given to our textilers for earning $13.88 billion through textile exports, he added.

Energy crisis was the core issue as we took charge and several meetings were held with high ups for solution of this crisis. An advertising campaign was launched for equitable distribution of gas which succeeded in getting relief.

Exporter funds are blocked in local taxes drawback creating liquidity crunch. PTEA promptly addressed this issue and took it up with all concerned authorities to get remedy for our members.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011