TEXTILE INDUSTRY
The textile industry is one of the most important sectors of Pakistan. It contributes significantly to the country's GDP, exports as well as employment. It is, in fact, the backbone of the Pakistani economy.
Establishment
I want to do this! What's This?
[pic]Pakistan is the fourth largest cotton producer in the world. Because of its plentiful, indigenous cotton supply, the textile industry is central to the Pakistani economy and is both a source of employment and a source of exports. Pakistan's industrialization began in the 1950s with the textile industry at its center. Today, textiles account for 38 percent of total manufacturing and 8 percent of GDP. The textile industry employs almost 40 percent of the industrial workforce. Despite the critical role textiles play in the economy, most textile manufacturers are cottage or small-scale industries. Pakistan relies on outside engineering and manufacturing expertise and must purchase most of its equipment abroad. Recognizing the importance of the textile industry to the nation's economy, the Pakistani government began taking steps in 2005 to rebuild the competitiveness of this critical industry.
Capacity
The textile industry of Pakistan has a total established spinning capacity of 1550 million kgs of yarn, weaving capacity of 4368 million square metres of fabric and finishing capacity of 4000 million square metres. The industry has a production capacity of 670 million units of garments, 400 million units of knitwear and 53 million kgs of towels.
The industry has a total of 1221 units engaged in ginning and 442 units engaged in spinning. There are around 124 large units that undertake weaving and 425 small units. There are around 20600 power looms in operation in the industry. The industry also houses around 10 large finishing units and 625 small units.
History
The Pakistani textile industry depends on domestic agriculture to supply