November 30, 2006	Thursday	Ziqa'ad 8, 1427

LAHORE, Nov 29: The four associations representing textile garments and apparel sectors on Wednesday announced the formation of a Joint Apparel Forum to make joint efforts for the resolution of problems confronted by them.

The decision to set up the forum was taken at a meeting of Pakistan Readymade Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (Prgmea), Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers Association (PHMA), Pakistan Knitwear and Sweater Exporters Association (Paksea) and Pakistan Cotton Fashion Apparels Association (PCFAA) in Karachi.

“We have unanimously agreed and formally announced the apparel forum so that all the related and collective problems of the apparel industry could be presented to the government from a single platform,” Prgmea chairman Ijaz Khokhar told Dawn over phone from Karachi.

The main objective of the PAF is to work for an Apparel Vision--2010 in the short-term and an Apparel Vision--2025 in the long-term. Other objectives include efforts for the formation of an apparel board in the ministry concerned and seek representation in the newly-formed Trade Development Authority of Pakistan.