ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (Prgmea) emphasized that the govt should prioritize value-added textile industry in energy supply on the patron of Bangladesh, as the garment industry is currently without gas in Punjab.
The apparel sector can generate $500 million through exports if provided with proper supply of gas.
The association pointed out that the government had allocated about 100 MMCFD gas for the entire export-oriented industry but now only spinners were being facilitated.
The Prgmea urged the Petroleum and Commerce Ministries focus on apparel industry which could generate precious foreign exchange, contribute to local taxes and generate employment.
The association recalled that the government in a meeting with the stakeholders had decided that gas would be supplied to the processing units on priority basis, regretting that the entire allocation had been taken over by spinning sector despite the fact that they had access to alternate energy resource.
According to the Prgmea, the value-added textile industry in Punjab is facing problems because of the increasing cost of production due to gas shortages, higher electricity tariff, and amounts stuck up with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in sales tax refunds.
