RECORDER REPORT

FAISALABAD: Textile Associations have expressed grave concern over the high priced RLNG in Punjab, which is yielding negative impact over hosiery, sizing, textile processing, garments manufacturing units and other export oriented industries.

Talking to newsmen, Chairman Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association (North Zone) Mian Naeem Ahmad said that tariff of Power and Gas should be brought down at par with the Regional competitors declaring textile sector as separate head of account in tariff structure. The Gas supply system to export oriented value added textile industry on regionally competitive prices to secure its competitive edge in international market is a sure way to earn much needed foreign exchange and save joblessness in the country, he said.

Chairman Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA) Shaiq Jawed has strongly resented the injudicious cut in system gas supply for export oriented textile industry in Punjab terming it a counterproductive move for textile export industry. Supply of high priced RLNG would further add to the high production cost and hamper the export growth. He termed suspension of 28 per cent system gas supply to textile industry as unilateral decision.

Punjab-based textile industry is already facing a serious blow of non-viability due to high cost of doing business and also at a comparative disadvantage in respect of production cost in the region.