July 17, 2002	Wednesday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 6, 1423

ISLAMABAD, July 16: The domestic cotton demand would be around 12 million bales for next year.

This figure was worked out in a meeting on Tuesday, which was presided over by Abdul Razak Dawood, Federal Minister for Commerce and Trade, and attended by representatives of All Pakistan Textile Mills Associations (APTMA).

The minister assured the APTMA members that cotton growers are being provided a number of incentives to produce more cotton. The incentives included support prices and financial incentives for contamination-free cotton so that in addition to fulfilling domestic demand, a substantial quantity of qualitative lint be available for exports, he said.

Khair Muhammad Junejo, Federal Minister for Agriculture and Food was also present in the meeting.

It was observed during the meeting that great number of spindles have been installed during the last few months and their number is expected to grow to 0.7 million in a couple of months. This will further increase the demand for lint cotton.

Khair Muhammad Junejo said that as textile products contribute lion share of in exports, his Ministry is constantly improving the quality and yield of cotton. The area under cultivation has been expanded to Baluchistan and NWFP, and modern techniques are being utilized for reducing contamination. He said that his Ministry is also making strenuous efforts to enable the growers to have good return for their crops.

APTMA members assured the meeting that their association will put in their judicious efforts in value addition, export of garments knitwear and made ups. They will also produce international standard of yarn and fabrics.