All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) Punjab Chairman Ali Pervaiz has sought restoration of 28 per cent system gas supply to textile mills to carry forward the over 10 per cent growth in exports due to the textile package. Ali analysed, a revival of the Punjab-based textile industry is only possible through availability of energy at a regionally and internationally competitive price. He said industrial capacity valued at $4 billion in exports has been closed down due to the high cost of doing business in Punjab. Textile exports can easily be doubled in 3-4 years if enabling environment is in place. He demanded immediate removal of all tariff and non-tariff barriers on import of cotton.
Speaking on the occasion, Gohar Ejaz pointed out that revival of 140 mills should be the key aim of the government. It is only possible through the availability of affordable energy at a tariff of Rs 7 per unit of electricity and Rs 600 per MMBTU gas all across the county. He lauded the efforts of Federal Minister for Textile Pervaiz Malik for taking proactive steps towards revival and growth of textile industry.
The APTMA leadership has appealed to the Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif for ensuring continuous system gas supply to mills in Punjab to keep the industry running.
