December 01, 2006	Friday	Ziqa'ad 9, 1427

ISLAMABAD, Nov 30: Federal Minister for Textile Industry Mushtaq Ali Cheema has said his ministry is considering more incentives for textile industry to make it competitive in the international market.

Talking to Japan Ambassador to Pakistan Siji Kogima here on Thursday the minister said that the textile sector was facing tough competition in the global market.

According to an official announcement the minister told the Japanese envoy that the government was working for up-gradation of the textile sector and in this regard various measures had been taken including training of the textile workers.

He said the government had given zero-rated tax facility for import of modern textile machinery and various components. Duty on import of raw material has also been reduced up to five per cent.

The minister admitted that the textile exports to Japan recorded a decline during the last few years. He said Pakistan was interested in importing modern textile technology from Japan and from other countries at an affordable and competitive price.

Mr. Kogima informed the minister that his country was interested to import textile products from Pakistan, for which the textile sector should cooperate. He offered to supply modern textile machinery from Japan on competitive prices.