ISLAMABAD, Dec 20: The government is making a strategy to increase efficiency and cost-effectiveness and to provide the requisite support to textile sector of the country without compromising its inherent strength which had withstood the test of time and fluctuations in the international environment.

This was stated by Federal Minister for Textile Industry, Mushtaq Ali Cheema while speaking at a review meeting held on Wednesday at the Ministry of Textile Industry in Islamabad.

The meeting reviewed the progress and problems of textile sector with respect to all sub-sectors of textile industry.

The meeting also reviewed the presentation by Mr Udo Hartmann of M/s Gherzi International of Switzerland, a leading textile consultant regarding the various cost and efficiency parameters in textile sector.The meeting was attended by the Commerce Minister, Mr Humayun Akhtar Khan, CEO, Trade Development Authority, Mr Tariq Ikram, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, Akram Sheikh, Federal Secretary, Textile Ministry, Syed Masood Alam Rizvi, Additional Secretary Commerce, Ashraf Khan, besides the stake-holders of textile industry.

An in-depth analysis of international trading regime, factor prices and productivity parameters took place in the meeting in context of post-quota era and long-term prospects and problems of textile sector.

A sector-by-sector analysis, including ginning, weaving, spinning and garment sectors, also debated with focusing on strengths and weaknesses with a view to evolve a long-term strategy within the existing macroeconomics, financial and institutional framework, as well as international competitiveness scenario.

The meeting underscored the need for sectoral approach linking productivity with efficiency, cost-effectiveness and cost- competitiveness.

The meeting noted prevalence of escalating cost pressure on the one hand and a wide range of subsides and support in competitor countries of the region which offset balance and have eroded the level playing field in textile sector.