Pakistan is a country of diverseeconomy. The textile industry of the country is a major contributor to thenational economy in terms of exports and employment. It holds the credit ofbeing the world's 4th largest producer of cotton, and 3rdlargest consumer of the same.

 

Currently, textile exports of thecountry are witnessing a declining trend. 90% of the textile sector is facinglosses, and closures. The garment industry is not able to maintain pace withthe processing and weaving industry, which is topping the global fabric market.Export figures of the country grew at a rate of 2.5% during the past 16 years,whereas China saw an increase of 12%, Sri Lanka 8%, and Bangladesh 15% comparatively.

 

Rough Patches in the ApparelIndustry:

 

Pakistan is passing through aphase of worst power crisis in its history. Electricity is becoming a rareluxury in the country. With the increasing hours of power failure, apparelmanufacturing is tipping at an exhausting end, deeply affecting themanufacturers. A survey report states that more than two months of productionhas been lost due to power cuts. Power charges, which were once costing 2 centshas now, increased to 19 cents. The non-availability of electricity, andincrease in power tariff are likely to force the countrys apparel industryinto unprecedented crisis. The spell of rain makes the problem worse, withlongs periods for even up to 48 hours without power supply.

 

It is also believed that thefocus of the workers was largely affected due to some social issues prevalentin the country. A survey report states that in Pakistan it takes 133 minutes tocomplete one piece of garment, whereas, it takes only 75 minutes for itscompetitors to complete the same apparel. Furthermore, 30% of the industrysproductivity is wasted in finishing, and 12% in washing.

 

Potential Remedies:

 

Now, the question is what is thesolution for this? Industry analysts propose that electricity charges shouldremain the same for at least 2 years from now. To increase the export figures, sophisticatedmachinery along with high technology products and services are essential.Training centers must be established all over the country to educate the currentand coming generation about the potential of textile trade. Proper marketingstrategies should be formulated, and implemented. Adequate number of tradehouses should be set up in various countries to support the textile and garmentexports of the country. Export oriented textile, and apparel industries shouldbe given preferences in accessing raw materials, finance and energy.Infrastructure should be given more focus to aid the garment exporters of thecountry.

 

Load shedding must bestandardized for specific hours every day, even if it is unavoidable. Despitethe unlikable consequences, energy crisis does not have any rescue. However,remedial actions can be taken to minimize the losses.

 

References:

 

  1. &sec=article&uinfo=<%=server.URLEncode(2170)%>" target="_blank">http://www.pakspectator.com/
  2. &sec=article&uinfo=<%=server.URLEncode(2170)%>" target="_blank">http://southasiainvestor.blogspot.com
  3. &sec=article&uinfo=<%=server.URLEncode(2170)%>" target="_blank">http://www.chowrangi.com/
  4. &sec=article&uinfo=<%=server.URLEncode(2170)%>" target="_blank">http://www.pakspectator.com/