ISLAMABAD: Pakistan can get apparel and garment orders of worth around $5 billion from Western clothing brands in two weeks, said former Caretaker Federal Minister Gohar Ejaz.
The window of opportunity is only 2 weeks, otherwise, the orders will be placed in India, Vietnam, or Cambodia, Ejaz added.
Former caretaker minister took to X on Thursday and stated that, “I believe $5 billion worth of apparel and garment orders from Western clothing brands can shift from Bangladesh to Pakistan. The window of opportunity is only 2 weeks; otherwise, the orders will be placed in India, Vietnam, or Cambodia”.
He further stated that we are not viable at these energy prices of 16 cents and with the current taxation rules for the export supply chain. The way forward for the government is to; (1) decrease energy prices to 9 cents, (2) allow the domestic supply chain for exports under SRO 1125 immediately.
These steps will enable the textile industry to grab these orders, which can create 5 million jobs and add $5 billion in export earnings for the country.
Ejaz earlier stressed the importance of maintaining energy prices at 9 cents per unit for industries to ensure the survival of Pakistan’s industrial sector. He emphasized the critical role of energy prices in sustaining industrial growth and competitiveness in Pakistan.
Ejaz underscored the importance of maintaining energy prices at 9 cents per unit for industries, stating it is crucial for Pakistan’s industrial sector survival. He highlighted that industries shouldn’t shoulder the burden of subsidising other sectors, given their pivotal role in job creation, exports, and import substitution.
