Newly inducted officers of the Commerce and Trade Group, currently undergoing the 31st Specialized Training Program (STP) at the Pakistan Institute of Trade and Development (PITAD), visited the headquarters of the Pakistan Textile Council (PTC) in Islamabad as part of their training today.
The session introduced the officers to Pakistan’s textile and apparel sector, the country’s largest export industry and a key contributor to the national economy. They were briefed on the textile value chain, its role in the export basket and GDP, as well as the challenges the industry is facing and the policy measures required to enhance competitiveness.
In a detailed presentation, Muhammad H. Shafqaat, CEO of the Pakistan Textile Council, underlined the sector’s contribution to economic growth and exports. He pointed out major obstacles, including high costs of doing business and persistent policy uncertainty. He also discussed the potential impact of the European Union’s Green Deal on Pakistan’s trade, stressing the need for regionally competitive policies on energy, taxation, wages, and interest rates to keep pace with competitors such as Bangladesh, Vietnam, China, and India, especially in light of reciprocal tariffs from the United States.
The officers engaged in an interactive question-and-answer session following the presentation, focusing on issues of trade competitiveness, sustainability, and global market dynamics. At the conclusion of the visit, a commemorative shield was presented to the participants on behalf of the PTC.
Commenting on the initiative, the Minister of Commerce said such interactions are essential in preparing future policymakers to understand industry realities. He emphasized that exposure to the private sector helps civil servants address practical challenges, from energy and taxation to compliance with international trade requirements. “Once in service, these officers will hold positions where their decisions directly impact trade policy. This kind of engagement ensures they are better equipped to support industry competitiveness and design effective trade policies,” he said.
The current batch of civil servants will complete their specialized training in April 2025, after which they will take up postings in trade-related offices in Pakistan and abroad.
