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UMT hosts 4th International Conference on Textile and Clothing (ICTC) 2013
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March 28 - 30, 2013
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Strengthen textile industry to revive national economy; speakers at the 4th ICTC 2013
The School of Textile and Design at University of Management and Technology (UMT), Lahore, hosted the 4th International Conference on Textile and Clothing (ICTC) 2013 today, at Lahore Expo Center. This conference has brought together renowned conglomerates and experts from UK, Germany, China, and Italy at a single platform to discuss a diverse range of topics such as nano-science in textiles, non-wovens, geo-textiles, conductive textiles, recyclable textiles, etc.
In his welcome address at the opening session of the conference, Dr Hasan Sohaib Murad, Rector UMT, said that UMT started textile diploma programs in 1992. Today, UMT is offering both graduate and master level textile programs that are being taught using the latest curriculum, best practices, and hands-on learning in the use of modern technology. Dr Hasan said that all programs are based on experiential learning. He added that these programs are so well accepted in the market that the Institute of Textile and Fashion Design in Faisalabad has introduced the same for its students.
Deliberating on strengthening the textile education in the country, Dr Hasan Sohaib Murad was of the view that Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) should also help in registration and facilitation of textile graduates. He advised APTMA representatives to consider setting up a mechanism whereby APTMA itself should accredit textile programs.
Dr Hasan added that UMT textile graduates are working in good positions in the textile industry. This testifies to the industry-driven programs that are taught at the university. He said that textile and related industries’ exports account for $13 billion which is a sizable chunk of the total exports of the country. As such, the textile industry is the backbone of the national economy and all of us should do as much as possible to make it grow.
Sheikh Azhar Majeed, Chairman Arzoo Textile Mills and Vice Chairman Federation of Chambers and Commerce, said that the Pakistani textile industry is facing serious energy crisis. He said that out of a total of 365 days in the year, the industry is operational only for 150 to 180 days. This has had a seriously negative effect on the overall productivity of the textile sector and has contributed to a sharp decrease in the country’s exports. He said that the deteriorating law and order situation in the country is another factor that has had adverse effects. Buyers hesitate to come to Pakistan and have shifted elsewhere.
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Sheikh Azhar further said that in past tenures, 7000 km gas lines were laid for domestic consumers. As thing stand today, 70% of the gas is given to domestic consumers; the rest goes to IPPs and CNG stations and the industry gets only a fraction of the gas. In India, on the contrary, there is no policy for giving gas connections to the domestic consumer. Azhar Majeed said that the total import bill of the country is $ 40 billion while the export bill is $ 25 billion. The $15 billion deficit can be removed if the textile sector is allowed to flourish.
On a positive note, he said that Pakistan has great potential, resources and committed people who can rise up to any challenge. He said that Singapore which is a one-city country with $ 250 billion exports, has reached this stature through the right policies. Pakistan can also revive its economy provided that the right policies are adopted.
He concluded on a special note of appreciation for Dr Hasan Sohaib Murad, Rector UMT, who he said has made significant contributions to textile education through the introduction of industry-driven programs. He said that he was deeply impressed by the quality of the programs and the textile laboratory facilities at UMT.
S M Qutab, Fellow of Textile Institute (FTI), and Chairman Textile Institute UK (Pakistan Chapter), gave the note of thanks to all the participants, sponsors, exhibitors and textile professionals who had worked hand-in-hand to organize the conference. He said that the collaborative efforts of all of them had made it possible to organize the 4th ICTC 2013.
Chaudhry Usman Ali, Chairman Sandal Group of Industries, said that the dyeing and chemicals industry was set up in Pakistan in 1980 with help from Bayer. He said that today we share 50% production with them and our exports go to countries like Bangladesh, Spain, Italy and Iran. Chaudhry Sahib added that we can reduce our import bill significantly by strengthening this sector of the economy.
At the end, Dr Nabeel Amin, Director, School of Textile and Design at UMT, thanked all the speakers, distinguished guests from the corporate and textile sector, delegates, textile professionals and other dignitaries for gracing the occasion with their presence. He expressed hope that the 3-day event would lead to meaningful exchange of information and ideas that would help in developing the textile industry.
It is worth mentioning that the 4th ICTC 2013 is being held in collaboration with Textile Institute (TI)UK (Pakistan Chapter), Society for Dyers and Colourists (SDC) UK (Pakistan Chapter) and MEGATECH. The aim of the conference is to showcase sustainable products, exploring ways and means of improving exports. The 3-day international conference would continue at the Lahore Expo Center from March 28 to March 30, 2013.
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