Aurangzeb reaffirms commitment to strengthen country's cotton sector

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Thursday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with industry representatives to support sustainable economic development, export growth, and employment generation across the country.

Aurangzeb met a delegation of the Pakistan Cotton Ginners’ Association (PCGA), led by its Chairman Sham Lal Manglani, to discuss issues concerning the cotton sector and explore measures aimed at enhancing the industry’s contribution to economic growth, exports, and rural employment, the Finance Ministry said in a press release today.

The meeting exchanged views on the current state of the cotton value chain, challenges faced by growers and ginners, and policy measures that could help improve productivity, investment, and sustainability across the sector.

“The PCGA representatives highlighted the strategic importance of cotton as a key cash crop and an essential input for Pakistan’s textile industry,” the press release said.

The delegation also underscored the sector’s role in generating rural employment, supporting allied industries, contributing to exports, and reducing dependence on imported cotton.

During the meeting, the delegation also shared proposals relating to taxation, documentation, and measures aimed at promoting formal economic activity within the sector.

“The finance minister acknowledged the significance of the cotton industry for the national economy and emphasised the government’s commitment to fostering a conducive business environment for productive sectors.

He noted that sustainable growth in agriculture and industry remains a key pillar of the government’s economic agenda and reaffirmed the importance of stakeholder consultations in the policymaking process.”

Aurangzeb said that the government was focused on broadening the tax base, improving transparency, and creating a level playing field for compliant businesses while ensuring that policy measures support economic activity, investment, and job creation.

He emphasised that the concerns and recommendations put forward by the PCGA would be carefully reviewed by the relevant authorities, read the press release.

The meeting also discussed the need for coordinated efforts to strengthen the cotton ecosystem, improve competitiveness, enhance value addition, and encourage greater investment throughout the supply chain.

The meeting agreed on the importance of maintaining continuous engagement between the government and industry stakeholders to identify practical solutions that can contribute to the long-term revival and growth of the cotton sector.