LAHORE (special crosspondent) – A high-level consultative meeting between the Pakistan Textile Mills Association (PTMA) and the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) was convened to deliberate on the critical challenges facing Pakistan’s textile sector, identify measures to bolster exports, and formulate a unified, coordinated strategy for the long-term revival of the industry.

Delegation and Meeting Details

A PTMA delegation, led by Central Chairman Waqar Ali and Chairman Nabeel Mehmood, held discussions with the Acting President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Tanveer Ahmad Sheikh. The meeting was also attended by Executive Committee Member Mohsin Bashir, alongside Irshad Javed, Mian Asim Javed, Sheikh Rafaqat, Rana Muhammad Ramzan, Humayun Khan, and Abdur Rouf Khan, who contributed to the dialogue regarding the industrial outlook.

Addressing Sectoral Challenges

Participants conducted an in-depth analysis of the primary hurdles confronting the textile sector. Key topics included the escalation of production costs, the impact of high energy tariffs on manufacturing competitiveness, and the systemic difficulties faced by exporters. The discussion underscored the urgent requirement for targeted policy interventions to enhance the global market share and competitiveness of Pakistani textile products, echoing broader goals seen in recent initiatives like the Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye Joint Defence Pact for strengthening economic and security stability.

Calls for Policy Reform

The PTMA delegation emphasized that the textile industry remains the cornerstone of Pakistan’s export economy, significant for employment generation and critical foreign exchange earnings. They urged the government to implement business-friendly policies designed to incentivize investment, catalyze industrial activity, and foster sustainable export growth. Representatives stressed that without immediate and effective regulatory support, the sector faces risks that could jeopardize national economic stability.

LCCI Commitment to Economic Stability

Acting President of LCCI, Tanveer Ahmad Sheikh, reaffirmed that the Lahore Chamber remains committed to acting as a proactive bridge between the business community and government institutions. He emphasized that enhanced coordination between the private sector and policymakers is a prerequisite for enduring economic growth. Sheikh noted that the LCCI and PTMA are dedicated to working in tandem to safeguard industrial interests, reduce the administrative burden of doing business, and eliminate structural obstacles to development, which aligns with ongoing efforts to foster a more resilient national economic framework, much like the Prime Minister’s recent international economic engagements.