APTMA Group leader, Gohar Ejaz and other senior members were also present in the meeting. APTMA chairman appreciated the support of economic staff of the EU embassies in preparing it for the GSP Plus facility. Also, he said, collaboration from the GIZ was a huge step forward that helped APTMA in a big way to improve operations through saving energy. He said Pakistan was looking for the GSP Plus facility from EU 2014 onwards.
Ahsan said APTMA was planning road shows to promote textile image of Pakistan across the EU and the US markets. According to him, the textile industry infrastructure and management structure are at the top notch in every aspect and many international observers have acknowledged the fact during their recent visits to textile clusters in Pakistan.
He said textile industry has 55 percent share in Pakistan exports. Its new leadership has taken variety of initiatives including setting up of Sustainable Production Centre with support of the German organisation to ensure permanent ongoing improvement, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and water conservation etc.
However, he said, APTMA has always been part of solution and is ready to invest in coal-based 3000MW energy project ahead. Gohar Ejaz briefed the visiting envoy on initiatives taken to bring textile industry out of crisis in Pakistan. Speaking on the occasion, German ambassador expressed hope that Pakistan textile industry would qualify for GSP Plus Scheme. He appreciated the APTMA leadership for overcoming challenges. Also, he agreed to facilitate further Pakistan pavilion in the Heimtextile exhibition in Germany in future.