LAHORE: A delegation of the European Union trade office of generalised system of preferences (GSP) program visited the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association to review the benefits of GSP plus facility to Pakistan and the progress so far made on implementation of social standards related to labour and environment laws.

The director DG trade office GSP programme Marc Vanheukelen led the delegation along with acting EU Ambassador H.E. Stefano Gatto.

Aptma Punjab Chairman Sheikh Muhammad Akbar welcomed the delegation and stated that the textile exports have started showing progress in the EU market due to the GSP plus facility. “Textile exports have witnessed increase in apparel products by 24 percent in volume and 30 percent in value terms from January to December 2014,” he said.

However, he pointed out that the growth pattern does not commensurate with the potential of the industry due to the productivity constraints, particularly the energy. “Both the industry and the government are working on various solutions for the availability of energy at regionally competitive tariff,” he added.

Akbar said Aptma in collaboration with the GIZ has launched a number of initiatives including energy conservation, use of renewable energy, water conservation, material flow management and implementation of social standards in Punjab-based garment industry.

He said Aptma is also working on better cotton initiative with best practices covering lesser use of water and pesticides.

Speaking on the occasion, Marc Vanheukelen appreciated the efforts of Aptma for the compliance of the industry. He explained that in January 2016, and every two years thereafter, the Commission shall present to the European Parliament and to the Council a report on the status of ratification of the relevant conventions. He said the main focus is on implementation of human rights including labour right, child labour, women right on floor level, gender balances, OHAS standards, and unionisation.

The director said “we are witnessing a change in Pakistan and things are now getting better, legislations are there with the sense of willingness.”

Earlier, Convener International trade committee Aptma Aamir Fayyaz Sheikh made a detailed presentation on sustainability and way forward for the textile industry under enhanced market access and explained the state of textile industry in Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, May 15th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play