Pakistan’s KCA urges inclusive approach in national cotton policy

The Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) has welcomed recent collaboration between the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) and the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) to draft a national cotton policy and standardise sale/purchase contracts for raw cotton. However, they have urged the government to include all major stakeholders especially KCA in the policymaking process.

KCA reiterated its longstanding efforts to unite all players in the cotton economy to boost national production. The association emphasised that coordinated action is vital to meet the textile sector’s growing needs and to create a surplus for export, strengthening Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves.

The KCA noted it had previously proposed a draft contract for raw cotton trade, including arbitration provisions under its own by-laws. While the PCGA approved the draft, APTMA has yet to respond. The KCA urged APTMA to adopt the existing draft rather than initiate a fresh one, which could delay progress.

Calling for quality improvements, uniform packing practices, and a standard bale weight of 170 kilogrammes, the KCA said exporters, traders, and growers must all be considered in the final policy. It stressed that inclusive dialogue is essential for reviving Pakistan’s cotton sector.