Newly Inducted Civil Servants Undergoing Specialized Training at PITAD Visit Pakistan Textile Council
Islamabad, September 27, 2025: As part of the 31st Specialized Training Program (STP) for newly inducted officers of the Commerce & Trade Group, Ministry of Commerce, participants from the Pakistan Institute of Trade and Development (PITAD) visited the headquarters of the Pakistan Textile Council (PTC) in Islamabad.
The study visit was organized to provide civil servants with a comprehensive understanding of Pakistan’s textile and apparel industry, the country’s largest export sector and a vital contributor to the national economy.
During the session, officers were briefed on:
The textile and apparel value chain and its contribution to Pakistan’s GDP and exports.
Key challenges facing the industry, including high costs of doing business and policy uncertainty.
The policy support required to enhance Pakistan’s export competitiveness.
Delivering a detailed presentation, Mr. Muhammad H. Shafqaat, CEO of PTC, highlighted:
The vital contribution of the textile & apparel industry to economic growth and foreign exchange earnings.
The importance of regionally competitive policies on energy, taxation, wages, and interest rates.
Opportunities and challenges arising from the EU Green Deal, especially its impact on Pakistan’s trade with the European Union, the country’s largest trading partner.
The need for Pakistan to remain competitive against Bangladesh, Vietnam, China, and India, particularly after reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States.
The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, where officers discussed issues of trade competitiveness, sustainability, and policy frameworks. On behalf of PTC, a commemorative shield was presented to the participants.
Commenting on the visit, the Minister of Commerce said:
> “Engagement with the private sector during training is critical for our newly inducted civil servants. The visit to the Pakistan Textile Council gave officers a clear understanding of the real challenges faced by industry—from energy and taxation to global trade requirements like the EU Green Deal. Once in service, these officers will be in positions where their decisions directly impact trade policy. Exposure at this stage equips them to design policies that strengthen Pakistan’s competitiveness in global markets.”
The Specialized Training Program (STP) will conclude in April 2025, after which the officers will be assigned to various trade-related offices within Pakistan and abroad.
