KARACHI, Nov 8: Adviser to the government for textile industry Dr Ikhtiar Baig said on Saturday that the R & D support fund for hosiery, garments and apparel sectors will be approved in the next Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) meeting.

“Since the R & D facility for exporters does not come under the purview of subsidy, no multi-lateral institution, including IMF will oppose this facility,” the advisor said while addressing members of Pakistan Apparel Forum at the PHMA House.

He asked all textile associations to submit claims for R & D support against shipments made till June 30, 2008 to the textile industry ministry so that the issue of pending claims can be taken up in ECC meeting.

Dr Baig pointed out that the former finance minister Naveed Qamar had already approved the R & D support fund of Rs12 billion for the textile sector.—APP