January 24, 2025 (MLN): Pakistani exporters secured $3 billion in export orders at Heimtextil, the world's largest textile trade fair held in Frankfurt, Germany, as revealed by All Pakistan Bed-sheets & Upholstery Manufacturers Association (APBUMA) Central Chairman Imran Mehmood.
Appreciating the achievement, he emphasized the importance of Heimtextil, calling it a key revenue generator for Pakistan's textile sector.
He said that the year-long operation of Faisalabad textile sector was directly linked with the orders procured during this exhibition, as APP reported.
He further said that the government has fixed an ambitious target of enhancing exports from $30bn to $100bn during the next five years.
He appreciated the ambitious goal but stressed the need for a conducive and enabling business environment and immediate incentives for the export sector especially for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Imran Mehmood termed SMEs as “growth engine” for national economy and demanded provision of low-interest loans to help the SMEs to manage rising cost of electricity, gas and yarn in addition to fully utilize installed capacity by employing additional workforce.
He proposed that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and All Pakistan Bedsheets & Upholstery Manufacturers Association (APBUMA) should be assigned the task to oversee loan disbursements for ensuring its effective utilization.