APTMA calls for a competitive business environment

Business Recorder reported that the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) has urged the government to restore a competitive business climate, with particular focus on energy tariffs, taxation and operating expenses. Addressing the association's 67th Annual General Meeting in Lahore, Patron-in-Chief Dr Gohar Ejaz argued that textile exports cannot expand unless those constraints are resolved. According to him, the sector could add USD 10 billion or more to exports within twelve months under a supportive policy setting, and it already accounts for over 60 percent of national exports.

Dr Gohar said exports have stagnated because of high energy tariffs, heavy taxes and rising business costs. He noted that the government had approved electricity and gas tariffs at competitive levels for export-focused sectors after sustained lobbying, but the relief was later taken back, which hurt exports. Congratulating newly elected office-bearers of the Central and Zonal Managing Committees, he said the group had won its 17th consecutive electoral victory at both levels.

Outgoing Chairman Kamran Arshad said export potential would stay out of reach until running a business matched global standards, and he called for competitive energy rates and a tax regime that promotes investment. Newly elected Chairman Asad Shafi said GDP had dropped to roughly USD 450 billion, while exports stayed below USD 30 billion. He added that electricity costs above 11 cents per kilowatt-hour compare with about six cents in neighbouring countries.