KARACHI: The Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) and the Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers Association (PHMA) have urged the government to draft a pro-business strategic trade policy framework (STPF) and textile & apparel policy for the next five years. They stressed the need for actionable and realistic measures that can be effectively implemented, unlike many unfulfilled initiatives from the 2020-2025 policy period.
During a visit by the PHMA delegation to the KCCI, Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, the KCCI president and Muhammad Babar Khan, the central chairperson of the PHMA, highlighted the urgency of refining these critical policies before their expiration this year. They emphasised eliminating ambiguities that have left key issues unresolved over the past five years. Both leaders advocated for close consultation with stakeholders, including the KCCI, the PHMA, and various export associations, to ensure comprehensive and effective frameworks.
Babar Khan noted that the EU’s GSP Plus status has played a vital role in enabling the country to compete with countries like Bangladesh in several product categories. He highlighted that this status has ensured a steady flow of business from the EU, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s export performance. With over 50 per cent of the country’s exports directed to the EU under the GSP Plus scheme, Khan stressed the need for collective efforts to persuade the government to take measures ensuring its continuation.
“It is imperative that Pakistan adheres to its international commitments, particularly under the human rights convention and other treaties to which it is a signatory,” he said. Khan also commended Bilwani for his consistent advocacy on behalf of the business community and expressed concern over the challenges businesses face despite their significant contributions to taxes, exports and employment. He sought the KCCI’s support in addressing pressing issues such as gas, electricity and water shortages, along with high tariffs that have increased the cost of doing business and rendered Pakistani products uncompetitive in local and global markets.
He pledged the PHMA’s full cooperation with the KCCI on future initiatives to create a more favourable business environment. He requested the inclusion of PHMA representatives in the KCCI’s Export Subcommittee and other key panels, noting that the PHMA represents the largest share of the country’s exports.
Bilwani praised the PHMA’s efforts in promoting Pakistan’s exports globally and invited the association to submit its budget proposals for inclusion in the KCCI’s 2025-26 budget recommendations.
Bilwani reaffirmed the KCCI’s commitment to supporting PHMA in overcoming longstanding challenges and emphasised the pivotal role of textiles and apparel in Pakistan’s economic stability and growth.
“The textile sector is the backbone of our economy, contributing significantly to exports and job creation. It is essential that the government implements sustainable and inclusive policies to address challenges ranging from infrastructure issues to compliance with international standards,” he said. He also stressed the need for improved collaboration among industry stakeholders to ensure the sector remains globally competitive.
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