Presidential Candidate of United Business Group for FPCCI and CEO of Sitara Chemicals, Mian Idress has said that textile industry is confronted with a serious challenge of sustainability on account of the energy shortage, particularly gas supply, which is not being provided as per the requirement.
He said that the government needs to review its decision regarding the provision of gas as all over the world the priority is given to the industry that earns revenues and creates jobs but unfortunately the situation in Pakistan was the other way round
Mian Idrees said that the industry is apprehended to lose a total of $2.5 billion exports in case the industry remains non-operational during winter. He said that such a situation would create havoc in the industry, as it would inflict negative impact on the country’s exports.
He said that Pakistan’s external reserves are already at a critical stage and any further reduction in export earnings is likely to worsen the balance of payment situation
While showing his concerns on the gas supply situation, Iftikhar Ali Malik, Chairman United Business Group FPCCI said that cotton prices are on a decreasing trend because of the inability of the industry to procure due to the prevailing confusion whether the production units would be operational or not during winter. “It would also render 10 million workers jobless and procurement of five millions cotton bales would be at halt due to suspension of operations”, He added.
Mr. Malik said that this situation would have a negative impact to the backward and forward linkages and the dream of realization of the generalized system of preferences (GSP) plus status would remain unmet.
Malik suggested that the textile sector should not be on fourth place on the list of priorities for gas supply. The sector comes below domestic, commercial and fertilizer sectors
He urged Prime Minister to ensure uninterrupted electricity and gas supply to the textile mills particularly in Punjab.
He said that the industry has pinned high hopes on the SNGPL for continuous gas supply during winter
He urged the government to ensure 24/7 uninterrupted gas supply to the Punjab-based textile mills in line with other provinces so as to realize maximum benefit of the market access facility from the EU.
Iftikhar Ali Malik asked the Government and gas authorities to devise a rational load management plan to relieve the domestic textile producers during the winter season, as gas and power crisis are the greatest hindrances in the way of these producers who are eager to expand their industrial base and investments.
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