Aurangzeb meets cotton ginners, reaffirms focus on sector growth and exports

Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Thursday reiterated the government’s commitment to engaging with industry stakeholders to support economic development, export growth and job creation, during a meeting with the Pakistan Cotton Ginners’ Association (PCGA).

The finance minister met a PCGA delegation led by Chairman Sham Lal Manglani to discuss challenges in the cotton sector and policy measures aimed at improving productivity, investment and sustainability, according to a Finance Ministry press release.

The meeting reviewed the current condition of the cotton value chain, issues faced by growers and ginners, and broader reforms needed to strengthen the sector’s contribution to the economy.

The PCGA delegation stressed the importance of cotton as a key cash crop and a major input for Pakistan’s textile industry. It said the sector supports rural employment, export earnings, allied industries and helps reduce reliance on imported cotton.

The delegation also presented proposals related to taxation, documentation and measures to promote formal economic activity in the cotton sector.

Aurangzeb said the government remained focused on broadening the tax base, improving transparency and ensuring a level playing field for compliant businesses, while maintaining support for investment and economic activity.

He said the recommendations put forward by the PCGA would be reviewed by the relevant authorities.

The minister also underscored that sustainable growth in agriculture and industry remains central to the government’s economic agenda, and stressed the importance of continued stakeholder consultation in policymaking.

Both sides agreed on the need for sustained engagement between the government and industry to strengthen the cotton ecosystem, improve competitiveness and encourage investment across the supply chain.