Govt, textile exporters discuss measures to enhance export competitiveness

March 12, 2026 (MLN): The government has reiterated its commitment to supporting export-oriented industries and creating a business-friendly environment to accelerate economic growth, with a particular focus on improving global competitiveness, encouraging investment, and promoting industrial modernization.

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, met with a delegation of leading textile and apparel exporters and industry stakeholders led by Haroon Sharif, Chairman of the Pakistan Regional Economic Forum, according to a press release issued.

During the meeting, the finance minister emphasized that strengthening export-led sectors remains central to Pakistan’s economic revival strategy.

He noted that enhancing productivity, encouraging innovation, and improving the global competitiveness of key industries are essential for expanding exports, generating employment, and sustaining long-term economic growth.

Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining close engagement with industry stakeholders to ensure economic policies remain responsive to the needs of the business community while promoting sustainable and inclusive growth.

He noted that policy frameworks are being continuously refined to promote investment, facilitate reinvestment by exporters, and remove procedural bottlenecks that hinder industrial expansion, while maintaining fiscal discipline and macroeconomic stability.

The minister highlighted the strategic role of export-oriented industries in driving economic activity and expanding Pakistan’s footprint in international markets.

He said creating an enabling environment for exporters through improved policy coordination, regulatory facilitation, and investment promotion remains a key priority.

He also emphasized the importance of modernization, technological upgradation, and value addition to strengthen Pakistan’s export competitiveness.

Industry leaders were encouraged to adopt new technologies, pursue innovation, and expand into higher-value market segments to capitalize on opportunities in global supply chains.

The delegation briefed the minister on initiatives by the Pakistan Regional Economic Forum to promote joint ventures, attract foreign investment partnerships, and enhance technology collaboration across priority industrial sectors.

Participants emphasized the need to align fiscal and regulatory policies with Pakistan’s competitive strengths to accelerate export-led growth and improve industrial productivity.

Industry representatives highlighted the strategic importance of value-added textiles, which account for a significant share of Pakistan’s export earnings.

They stressed that the sector requires focused policy attention and targeted support amid evolving global market dynamics and increasing regional competition.

The delegation also emphasized the need for a streamlined and growth-oriented taxation and compliance framework that facilitates reinvestment, business expansion, and ease of doing business.

Participants called for policies encouraging modernization through technology adoption and digital transformation while addressing structural bottlenecks affecting industrial efficiency and export competitiveness.

Business leaders further urged the government to review labour-related cost structures and regulatory levies to ensure Pakistan’s export-oriented industries remain competitive in international markets.

Rationalizing such costs, they said, would help increase production capacity, create jobs, and sustain export growth.

Responding to the proposals, the finance minister appreciated the constructive input from industry representatives and noted that several of the issues raised are already under consideration as part of the government’s broader economic reform agenda.

The meeting was also attended by Javed Bilwani, Chairman of the Pakistan Apparel Forum; Khurram Mukhtar, Patron-in-Chief of the Pakistan Textile Exporters Association; Khalid Mansoor, Director of the Pakistan Regional Economic Forum and former SAPM on CPEC Affairs and Minister of State; Siddique Bhatti, CEO of US Apparel; Shahzad Asghar Ali, CEO of Style Textile; and Javed Akhtar, CSO of Style Textile, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Finance.

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