The Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) chairman Shaikh Mohammad Shafiq has said members of the association are thankful to PM Nawaz Sharif and FM Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar for introducing zero rated regime ‘No Payment No Refund’ for five export oriented sectors viz value-added textiles, carpets, surgical instruments, sports goods and leather.
Shafiq said despite hurdles, the business community engaged with readymade garments was making strenuous efforts for enhancing the export in the larger national interests. He cited the high cost of doing business and said it has started hitting the textile industry badly. This was evident from the growing number of factory closures in the sector. As cut-throat competition with countries like Vietnam, Bangladesh and China is also giving a tough time to Pakistan’s exporters.
As far as wages are concerned, while the minimum wage is around $68 in Bangladesh, in Pakistan it is $125 and rising. The Pakistani government gives a rebate of 4 per cent on incremental basis while its competing countries offer on wholesome export as does Bangladesh. He wants the government to take drastic steps for enhancing exports and addressing the problems of industrial sector.
