Textile, Clothing Export Jump 20%

Pakistan's total exports of textile and clothing during July-February 2002-03 stand at US$ 4.4 billion as compared to U$3.7 billion for the corresponding period of 2001-02, registering an increase of 20 per cent.

The Minister for Commerce, Humayun Akhtar Khan, said, "in the fiscal year 2001-02, Pakistan's total export was $6 billion of which The quota exports were 38 percent mainly destined for the European Union (EU), US, Canada and Turkey."

The bulk of quota export comprise of apparel and fabrics in which Pakistan has competitive advantage, he added.

The minister said that in the post quota scenario, Pakistan's textile quota exports would be facing competition from countries like China, Bangladesh, Philippine etc. The elimination of textile, quotas provides both a threat and an opportunity.

He said that the government in collaboration with the textile industry is making all out efforts to minimise the threat and avail opportunities by concentrating on improving Pakistan's competitiveness, up gradation of quality, greater contribution by synthetic sector and more investments in value added segments of the industry like ready-made garments and textile made-ups.