KARACHI, March 18: The government will announce an incentive package for boosting exports of the garment sector which is lagging behind after the removal of textile quota.

Talking to reporters after the inauguration of Textile Asia here on Saturday, Textile Industry Minister Mushtaq Ali Cheema said Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz had formed a committee to prepare recommendations for facilitating the garment sector and making it competitive in the international market.

“I am the chairman of that committee and we have submitted our recommendations to the prime minister. The prime minister will take action on our recommendation in the next meeting to be held shortly,” Mr Cheema added.

The minister, however, did not give details about the incentive package but said it would help the garment sector become competitive and increase its share in country’s exports.

He said the preparation for the post-quota era was not sufficient, especially by the garment sector.

He pointed out that the knitwear sector, which is part of garments, was the largest quota holder, adding that the government had already provided them an incentive of six per cent research and development allowance.

The minister underlined the need for value-addition in the garment sector with particular reference to printing and stitching of garments.

He was of the opinion that some value-addition has been made in the garment sector but there was more to be done to take this sector on a par with other segments of the textile sector.

Mr Cheema advised people involved in the garment business to utilize some of the latest machinery on display at the Textile Asia to improve quality of their products.

He also suggested them to enhance the skills of their workers for producing world class quality products to fetch better price in the international market.

In reply to a query, the minister pointed out that several Pakistani delegations had visited China to seek their cooperation and expertise in further improving quality of garments as well as joint ventures in garment manufacturing. He said that China is the leader in garment manufacturing and can support Pakistan in garments cities in Karachi, Lahore and Faisalabad.

Appreciating the organizers of the Textile Asia, he said that this exhibition would greatly help Pakistani textile industry in the selection of world’s latest machinery at their doorstep to improve their quality.—APP