Uninterrupted Power Supply Is Imperative

Uninterrupted power supply is imperative in order to reap maximum benefits from the Generalised System of Preferences Plus (GSP Plus) status granted to Pakistan by the European Union, a delegation of All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) has told Federal Minister for Textile Industry Abbas Khan Afridi.

During a meeting, the APTMA delegation comprising of SM Tanveer, chairman APTMA Punjab, Seth Akbar, vice chairman APTMA and senior member Ali Ahsan, apprised the Minister of the current prevailing situation, with respect to power and gas supply, necessary for continuous performance of the textile industry.

The delegation urged the Minister to devise some way out in order stop their businesses from ruining because of power outages. The APTMA delegation lamented inadequate electricity supply for the last one year and the rising unemployment due to reduction in number of shifts.

Mr. Afridi said textile industry is the bread winner for the country and the Government is trying its level best to facilitate the textile sector. He said the Government values revival of economy, and therefore the textile industry holds foremost importance.

The Minister added that the Government’s commitment is clearly reflected in the incentives announced for the textile industry in Budget 2014-15.

The Minister stated that he understands the problems faced by the textile units and that he would soon take up the issue with the Prime Minister and Minister for Water and Power. He admitted that conditions are tough, but he envisaged a prosperous future for the country in general and textile industry in particular.

The Minister assured the APTMA delegation that load shedding hours would be reduced to 8 hours per day in the month of Ramadan.

Pakistan’s textile and garment exports increased by 5.96 percent year-on-year to US$ 12.626 billion in July-May 2013-14, according to data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.