Pakistan:Power cut weakens textile exports

The textile exporters of Pakistan are facing tough challenges, as they are unable to supply consignments to foreign markets on time. Power failure is one of the major reason for this situation and is affecting the production at large.
As a result, Mr Tahir Ishaque, Chairman, Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA) has urged the Government to exempt textile sector from power outages, as mill owners are not able to fulfill their prior commitments made with overseas buyers.
Mr Tahir, also suggested the authorities to provide R&D facilities to all textile enterprises instead of extending these services to selected renowned companies. As it can create a huge gap among domestic industries, in terms of turnover.
To add further woes, the price of electricity and gas has increased, which in turn has augmented the manufacturing cost of commodities, hampering the export orders.
Thus, to bring some relief to the textile sector PTEA has pleaded for uninterrupted gas and electricity supply along with exemption from taxes, levies and cross subsidies by zero-rating textile exports.