ISLAMABAD, Sept 20: Pakistan’s export of textile and clothing products witnessed a 7.24 per cent growth in the first two months of the current fiscal year from a year ago.

Export proceeds from these sectors rebounded following substantial increase in export of raw cotton, showed data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics here on Friday.

Export of textile and clothing surged to $2.305bn in July-August 2013 from $2.149bn during the corresponding month of last year.

Textile and clothing products, which witnessed a negative growth, are cotton carded, knitwear, towels and art silk in July-August 2013 over the same months last year.

However, growth in exports in the first two months was mainly driven by bed-wear and readymade garments, which are valued-added products.

Exports witnessed a growth because of increase in export to the European market owing to preferential market access on selected products.

The European Union’s preferential package on import of 75 items was in operation since December 2012.

Depreciation of Pakistani currency is also one of the pushing factors in export proceeds during the first two months.

In terms of rupees, exports proceeds witnessed a growth of 15.45pc in July-August 2013 this year from a year ago.

A sector-wise analysis showed that export of low value-added products, such as cotton yarn, was up by 16.77pc, cotton cloth 7.71pc, made-up articles 6.47pc, yarn other than cotton yarn 3.43pc and other textile material 6.95pc in first two months of the current fiscal year over same month last year.

Export of bed-wear increased by 5.13pc, tents 1.89pc, and readymade garments 8.86pc in July-August 2013 this year over the same month last year.

Statistics showed that export of raw cotton witnessed a robust growth of 496.73pc in the first two months of the current fiscal year over last year.

Industry sources said that consistent supply of gas during the period under review to textile sector produced the desired results.

The growth in yarn and fabric exports was mainly because of improved energy supply.

The total export proceeds witnessed a growth of 3.66pc to $4.09 billion in July-August 2013 from $3.945bn over the corresponding period of last year.