Pakistan
September 21, 2011

Pakistan is expecting record cotton production of over 15 million bales in the 2011-12 crop year. Pakistan’s Ambassador Masood Khan said that.

The government is working out a plan to prevent pest and virus attacks, and ensuring seed availability. He said Pakistan is the fourth largest producer and third largest consumer of cotton.

“Our growth rate slipped to 2.4 per cent last year due to the huge losses suffered by our economy on account of massive floods and the devastating floods".

The good news is that Pakistan’s textile industry had made its mark in the global market in the past six decades; and it has proved its continued strength even in the post-quotas era, he said.

In 2010, for instance, Pakistan exported cotton yarn, fabrics, cotton, cotton wastes, home textiles, garments, knitted fabrics, and carpets to China in big quantity.

He said agreements have been signed between Pakistani and Chinese institutions for development of hybrid cotton seeds, including of BT cotton, to improve the yield and quality of cotton in Pakistan.

Ambassador Khan said next year, Pakistan is launching the next Five Year (2012-1216) Pak China Development Programme on Trade and Economic Cooperation (FYDP). This programme includes collaboration on an Institute of Textile and Clothing.

Website: http://www.pabic.com.pk

Published: September 21, 2011