Value-added textile sector: PHMA demands equal access to export facilitation schemes

FAISALABAD: The Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PHMA) has demanded equitable access to government export facilitation schemes for the value-added textile sector, comparable to those extended to the rice sector.

This demand was voiced by Ahmed Afzal Awan, Senior Vice Chairman, PHMA (North Zone), who expressed serious concern over the government’s decision to include the rice sector—having an export share of approximately $3 billion; under the Export Development Fund (EDF) and the Duty Drawback of Local Taxes and Levies (DLTL) mechanism, involving substantial financial allocations, while the value-added textile and apparel sector continues to be overlooked.

He emphasized that the value-added textile sector contributes nearly $18 billion to Pakistan’s exports and plays a critical role in employment generation and industrial growth. Despite this, exporters from the sector are being denied equal access to EDF and DLTL facilities.

Awan stated that achieving national export targets would not be possible without practical facilitation measures, particularly those aimed at reducing the cost of production and ensuring a level playing field with regional competitor countries.

Awan urged the Prime Minister to declare an export emergency and convene an urgent meeting involving representative organizations from all export-oriented sectors to address prevailing concerns.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026