ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Textile Industry Rana Muhammad Farooq Saeed Khan chaired a meeting regarding energy issues of Textile sector here today. During the meeting overall situation of textile sector in Pakistan and problems faced by textile sector due to energy crises came under discussion.

Participants expressed their deep concerns regarding high tariff. They further told that special tariff should be made for textile sector. They apprised the Federal Minister about banks related matters in detail. Furthermore, B.T. Cotton and R & D related matters were also discussed during the meeting. Participants gave different proposals and suggestions to overcome different crises faced by textile sector. They mentioned that our economy mainly depends on textile sector therefore, government has to take concrete steps in this regard.

Federal Minister for textile industry said that textile is the most important sector of our economy. Present government is committed to resolve all textile related issues on priority basis because it is our export oriented sector. He said that all concerns of participants, proposals and suggestions are the most valuable for us that is why all possible remedial measures would be taken in this regard. On this occasion Rana M.Farooq informed that a power unit of 250 MW is being installed in Faisalabad which will be operational at the end of current month.

He assured that maximum relief will be provided to the textile sector. Moreover, different meetings with NEPRA, WAPDA, OGRA, Governor State Bank and Federal Minister for Food and Agriculture would be arranged to settle down maximum issues faced by the textile industrialists on priority basis. Federal Minister also assured the participants that matters would be resolve in consultation with all stakeholders. He added that textile policy is ready and it will be presented in Cabinet for approval very soon.

Chairman All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA), President Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce, President Faisalabad Cahmber of Commerce, Voice Chairman PTEA, Chief Executive FCCI, Joint Secretary Mintex, Dy. Secretary Mintex and other officials of the Mintex were present in the meeting.