ISLAMABAD, Dec 3: Exports of readymade garments and bedwear registered an average growth of over 72 per cent during the July-October period of the current fiscal year, over the same period last year.

Official figures available with Dawn indicated that exports of readymade garments increased by 76.76 per cent and that of bedwear by 72.41 per cent during the period under review, over the same period last year.

On monthly basis, the growth in exports of readymade garments and bedwear stood at 18.68 per cent and 73.70 per cent, respectively, in October 2005.

The increase in export of readymade garments was attributable to a six per cent subsidy being provided to the sector to make them competitive in the international market.

The overall textile products recorded a growth of 28 per cent during the first four months this year as it stood at $3.340 billion as against $2.609 billion in the same period last year. Of these textile products, the export of cotton yarn increased by 47.66 per cent, cotton cloth by 41.76 per cent and towels by 28.70 per cent.

However, the export of knitwear declined by 11.20 per cent, tents, canvas and tarpaulin by 32.44 per cent, art, silk and synthetic textile by 40.36 per cent and made-up articles by 13.23 per cent during the period under review, over the same period last year.

Ironically, exports of engineering, sports and surgical products registered falls of 6.12 per cent, 1.74 per cent and 25.45 per cent, respectively, during the period under review, despite government incentives.

However, the export of leather manufacturers increased by 37.4 per cent during the first four months of this year, over the same months last year.

Exports of auto parts had decreased by 1.91pc, gems by 13.59 per cent, jewellery by 86.24 per cent, furniture by 18.15pc and molasses by 60.61 per cent.

The export of primary commodities registered an overall growth of 30.46 per cent during July-Oct 2005. Of these, the export of rice increased by 43.87 per cent, raw cotton 19.23pc, fish and fish preparations 17.91pc, spices by 131.6pc and oil seeds, nuts and kernals by 15.75pc.

The total value of exports during July-Oct 2005 had increased by 22.89 per cent to $5.508 billion, as against $4.482 billion during the same months last year.