Karachi: The value-added textile sector has shown its sheer concern over the indifferent attitude of the government for not appointing Commerce Minister even after passing more than two months.
The Acting Chairman Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) Irfan Ali said it’s really surprising that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has yet to name Commerce Minister or decide the fate of Textile Ministry despite the fact that he is known as pro-business leader of Pakistan.
The economic revival should be the first priority after law and order of any newly formed government but there is no Commerce Minister or Textile Minister has been appointed so far while the export sector particularly textile sector has been left to suffer and all the macro and micro issues of the trade and commerce are not being addressed. Irfan further stated that the government has appointed staunch bureaucrats as Secretary Commerce and Secretary of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) who are oblivious of the issues and problems being faced by the export sector.
“At this juncture when the country’s exports are at the lowest ebb, industries are closing down, exports target has become impossible to achieve and rulers are negotiating with IMF once again, the trade and industry has been left to suffer which was already battling for its survival”, Irfan said, adding that the priorities of the government which is not new anymore, are unknown. He demanded of the government to immediately name Commerce and Textile Ministers instead of abolishing the Textile Ministry.