APTMA chairman urges govt to protect textile industry

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LAHORE: Unprecedented gas suspension to the export-oriented textile industry coupled with high interest rate at 14 percent due to government borrowing has not only jeopardized growth of the textile industry and exports but put the survival of existing industry at stake, said Chairman All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) Gohar Ejaz.

He has urged the government to prioritise gas supply to the textile industry to secure 15 million jobs and $14 billion exports during current fiscal. Non-supply of gas has adversely affected textile production mainly meant for exports, as 43 percent of its capacity potential remained non-operative.

He deplored the SNGPL authorities has not been observing equitable distribution of the gas shortage on its network despite clear-cut instructions of five days a week gas supply to the textile industry by the government back in February 2011.

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