Shabir Ahmed, Patron-in-chief Pakistan Bedwear Exporters Association has asked for a comprehensive textile package from the Federal government to facilitate the domestic industry, attract more investment and also compete in global market.

Ahmed said the Indian government approved Rs 60 billion special package for textiles & apparel sector to create 10 million new jobs in three years. As per estimates, Indian textile package will attract investments of $11 billion, besides generating $30 billion in exports. In addition, these measures also include additional incentives for duty drawback scheme for garments, flexibility in labour laws to increase productivity as well as tax and production incentives for job creation in garment manufacturing.

India has taken this step to facilitate the domestic industry and attract more investment in the textile sector, as over the last few years, apparel manufacturing had shifted to countries like China which had cost advantages. Ahmad feels, India already has advantages of economies of scale and Pakistan is facing tough competition. They believe that this package is a threat to Pakistan's textile industry as well as exports as these measures will help Indian exporters to capture the foreign markets.

Ahmed, India is confident of overtaking Vietnam and Bangladesh in garment exports within next three years if the package is properly implemented.