Islamabad: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb met with a delegation from the Pakistan Cotton Ginners’ Association (PCGA), led by Chairman Sham Lal Manglani, to address challenges in the cotton sector and explore strategies for enhancing its contribution to economic growth, exports, and rural employment.

According to Press Information Department, the meeting included discussions with Senior Vice Chairman Shaikh Fayaz Ahmed and former Chairmen Suhail Mehmood Hurrul, Chaudhry Waheed Arshad, and Mukhtar Baloch. They exchanged views on the current state of the cotton value chain, the challenges faced by growers and ginners, and potential policy measures to improve productivity, investment, and sustainability.

PCGA representatives emphasized cotton’s strategic importance as a key cash crop and a vital input for Pakistan’s textile industry, highlighting its role in generating rural employment, supporting allied industries, contributing to exports, and reducing reliance on imported cotton. Proposals related to taxation, documentation, and measures to promote formal economic activity were also presented.

The Finance Minister acknowledged the cotton industry’s significance and highlighted the government’s commitment to creating a favorable business environment. He stressed the importance of sustainable growth in agriculture and industry and the need for stakeholder consultations in policymaking processes.

Senator Aurangzeb reiterated the government’s focus on broadening the tax base, improving transparency, and ensuring a level playing field for compliant businesses. He assured that the concerns and recommendations from the PCGA would be reviewed by relevant authorities.

Discussions also covered coordinated efforts to strengthen the cotton ecosystem, enhance competitiveness, increase value addition, and encourage investment across the supply chain. Participants agreed on the importance of ongoing engagement between the government and industry stakeholders to find practical solutions for the long-term growth of the cotton sector.

The Finance Minister expressed appreciation for the delegation’s input and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to collaborating with industry representatives to support economic development, export growth, and employment generation.