The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and the Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers Association (PHMA) have urged the government to devise a five-year policy framework with actionable and realistic measures that can be effectively implemented.
During a meeting between delegations of the PHMA and the KCCI, PHMA Chairman Muhammad Babar Khan and KCCI President Muhammad Jawed Bilwani highlighted the need to table new policies ahead of the expiry of the 2020-2025 framework. They stressed on the importance of eliminating ambiguities and emphasized the need to finalize the next framework through close consultation with key stakeholders, including KCCI, PHMA, and various export associations.
PHMA’s Khan noted that E.U.’s GSP-Plus was instrumental in enabling Pakistan to compete with countries like Bangladesh in multiple product categories. He said GSP-Plus had ensured a steady flow of business from the E.U. to Pakistan, contributing significantly to the country’s exports. He stressed on the importance of the GSP-Plus status for export-oriented industries. “It must also be ensured that Pakistan does not compromise its international commitments, particularly its obligations under the human rights convention and all other conventions to which the country is a signatory,” he said.
The PHMA chairman also appreciated the KCCI president’s relentless advocacy for the business community. He regretted that that the business community had to struggle for its fundamental rights despite its contributions to taxes, exports, and employment generation. He urged the KCCI to support the PHMA in addressing challenges related to gas, electricity and water supplies, as high tariffs that have driven up the cost of doing business and made Pakistani products uncompetitive in both local and international markets.
He also the PHMA’s full support and cooperation with KCCI in all initiatives aimed at creating an enabling business environment and reducing longstanding hardships faced by the business community. In this regard, he sought the inclusion of PHMA representatives in the KCCI Exports Subcommittee and other important subcommittees.
During the meeting, KCCI’s Bilwani recognized the PHMA’s contributions to promoting Pakistan’s exports and invited the organization to submit its budget proposals to KCCI for inclusion in Budget Proposals 2025-26. Reiterating KCCI’s commitment to supporting PHMA in addressing longstanding challenges, Bilwani highlighted the critical role of textiles and apparel in Pakistan’s economic stability and growth. He urged the government to prioritize this sector in policy-making and resource allocation.
“The textile sector is the backbone of our economy, contributing significantly to exports and job creation,” he said. “It is imperative that the government introduces sustainable and inclusive policies that address the sector’s challenges, from infrastructure issues to international compliance,” he said, adding industry players should boost cooperation to ensure the sector remains globally competitive.
“We believe that strong synergies between organizations like KCCI and PHMA can pave the way for resolving long-standing issues and unlocking the sector’s full potential,” he added.
The meeting concluded with both organizations reaffirming their dedication to fostering a collaborative environment for the betterment of Pakistan’s textile and export sectors. The participants agreed that achieving a unified vision and concerted efforts would lead to sustainable growth and prosperity for the industry.