Pakistan's textile exports registered a record growth of $10.6 billion for eight months from July to February 2005-06, registering an increase of 19.7 percent compared to the same period last year.
Commerce Minister Humayun Akhtar Khan said a growth of 18 percent was targeted for 2005-2006 but was able to surpass and achieve 20 percent increase and was optimistic of not only achieving its export target of $17 billion, but would in all probability, exceed it.
This would be possible as exports have usually been higher in last quarter between April and June.
Export performance has been encouraging even in the face of decline in prices of textiles and clothing due to price competition in international market, he said.
Pakistani exporters were able to achieve an increase of 23 percent in textile sector in the post-quota era.
But, the industry is of the view that an increase of over 19 percent in the country's exports in eight months has not been up to the mark.
They believe that growth could have been doubled if its performance is compared to the scale of expansion seen in textile sector in the last couple of years.
The industry is losing in terms of per unit value and sales are high in terms of volume and it is facing competition from its neighbours, said industry circles.
Decrease in anti-dumping duty on Pakistani bedlinen would have an impact on performance of the sector.
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