APTMA calls off strike: another meeting today-Texglobe

ISLAMABAD (May 21 2010): After successful negotiations with the government All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) has called off spinning mills indefinite countrywide strike against the imposition of Regulatory Duty on yarn export. Another meeting will be held on Friday (today) where a breakthrough is expected.

The strike was called off after the APTMA delegation met Federal Minister for Textile Industries Rana Farooq Saeed Ahmad Khan here on Thursday where the Association was assured resolution of their problems. The delegation was led by Punjab APTMA Chairman Gohar Ijaz. APTMA representatives apprised the minister of problems faced by the spinning sector after imposition of 15 percent export duty on cotton yarn.

In a media briefing after the meeting, the minister acknowledged the problems faced by the Textile Industry, and said that he is fully aware of the situation. He said that Textile Industry's growth is only possible if all the sectors from cotton growers, spinners, ginners, to value-added sector cooperate with each other. He advised the APTMA representative to resolve the issue in amicable manner so that a culture of co-existence may prevail in the industry and every one can get due benefit.

He said that negotiations would be held with value added textile sector on Friday and decision about yarn duty will be taken after consultation. Gohar Ijaz told the media that two-day strike has been called off after meeting with government. He expressed the hope that the issue will be resolved.

APTMA representatives agreed with the minister's proposal and announced to call off the indefinite strike saying that strikes not only cause losses to the industry but the economy as a whole suffers due to closure of mills and unemployment of the labour force.