Giving an interview to APP, soon after taking charge of the textile portfolio, Mr. Afridi said the Government would focus on searching new markets to improve exports.

According to him, the Government would give top priority to enhancing regional trade and further strengthening the economic cooperation with countries in the region.

He said the annual textile policy is expected to be announced by the Government in middle of the current year and it is committed to evolve a comprehensive plan for the development of the country’s textile industry.

The textile sector accounts for about 54 percent of Pakistan’s overall exports, and hence the sector’s exports need to be further enhanced to increase the total trade volume, the Minister said.

He said lack of skilled manpower and old methods of production acted as barrier for the textile industry achieving its targets, and laid emphasis on the need for imparting latest skill and technology to people working in the textile and clothing industry, and also for modernization of machines and equipment.

For the purpose, he urged local entrepreneurs to invest in imparting training with latest technology and equipment to workers in order to enhance production volume and better compete in the international market.

Pakistan exported textiles and garments worth US$ 8.035 billion in July-January 2013-14, showing an increase of 7.59 percent year-on-year, according to the data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.