Export industry challenges: PHMA (North Zone) vows joint efforts

Business Recorder reported that the monthly meeting of the North Zone committee of the Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association took place in Faisalabad on October 14, chaired by Mian Farrukh Iqbal. Participants examined the pressures on hosiery and value-added textile shipments, existing government policies and the group's future plans. Chairman Iqbal argued that tackling these pressures requires joint work, mutual cooperation and a coordinated plan across all members, and that the concerns would be taken to officials and the media.

Central Chairman Syed Zia Alamdar Hussain reported on a recent online session with the Secretary Commerce and Rana Ehsan Afzal, the Prime Minister's Coordinator on Commerce. The sector's requests included reinstating a duty drawback on local taxes and levies worth 6 to 8 percent measured against FOB value, cheaper electricity and gas, a single-digit policy rate, cutting income tax to 1.25 percent, and prompt settlement of customs rebates and pending refunds. Former North Zone chairman Mian Kashif Zia separately flagged difficulties industrial units face with the Environmental Protection Department.

Senior members including Chaudhry Salamat Ali and former vice chairman Khawaja Musharraf Iqbal congratulated the newly elected leadership and offered their support. A proposal to invite relevant officials to the association's platform was put forward, and participants pledged a unified, cooperative approach to protect members' interests and promote hosiery and textile exports.