Despite rains and floods damaged the cotton in Sindh region the cotton production for current season is expected to be 11.2 million bales as against a target of 10.55 million bales set earlier.

This was disclosed in a presentation of the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock (MINFAL) here to the meeting of Federal Textile Board (FTB) presided over by Industries and Production Minister, Liaquat Ali Jatoi.

The meeting decided to form a task force comprising textile industry representatives and ministries who have links with WTO related issues like labour, social, health and environmental standards. The task force was directed to complete the work related to amendments in the regulatory framework within one month so that implementation can occur before 2005. The meeting was informed that the industry should prepare itself for the new opportunities and challenges by developing competitive practices and adopting standards, and becoming compliant to WTO norms.

The minister told the meeting that the government would help and facilitate the industry by reducing the cost of doing business, developing business, friendly environment, required infrastructure and amendments in regulations. Recent measures for cleaner cotton production, tariff rationalization, reduction in mark-up rate and successful negotiations for market access with the EU and the US have been supportive to the industry.

The meeting agreed to the continuation of the role of Trading Corporation of Pakistan for promoting cleaner cotton production programme, modernization of ginneries and adoption of cotton grade and standards as notified by the Pakistan Cotton Standard Institute (PCSI). The meeting reviewed the performance of textile industry and expressed satisfaction over its growth. Production has shown appreciable growth in almost all products viz-a-viz eight per cent in yarn, 14 per cent in fabrics and 26 per cent in synthetic fibre.

Exports of cotton textiles have increased to $7.17 billion, which is 65 per cent of total national exports. There is a marked shift to value addition, and share of garments and made-ups has increased from 47 per cent to 58 per cent in total exports