LAHORE: Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar has assured All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) of his support for access to European markets and uninterrupted energy supply.
Speaking at the Aptma house Punjab, the governor said that he will work towards tabling the GSP plus bill in the EU Parliament when he visits the UK in early October. He lamented that the bomb blast in Peshawar has occurred at a time when the country is set to avail the GSP plus status.
He said the GSP plus status will make a huge difference to the quality of life of textile workers in Pakistan, adding, “Therefore, I will leave no stone unturned in pushing for its market access.”
He appreciated the Aptma leadership’s initiatives pertaining to corporate social responsibility. He also welcomed the organisation’s new leadership.
Aptma Group Leader Gohar Ejaz urged the governor to spearhead the Association in availing the GSP plus status from the EU and take the industry’s case forward.
“Aptma’s share in the country’s GDP is nine per cent, besides providing jobs to 40 per cent of the manufacturing sector and contributing 53 per cent to overall exports,” he said. “The increase in cotton production is a prime concern of Aptma and efforts are underway to support the government in this regard.”
