LAHORE, July 1: Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has sought a proposal from the quarters concerned on a garments industrial estate to be set-up in the vicinity of the provincial capital.

He sought the proposal at a meeting with a delegation of readymade garments manufacturers here on Monday.

“A modern garments industrial estate near Lahore should be considered and all hurdles in the export of garments should be removed,” he said.

The chief minister directed the authorities to formulate a five-year plan to increase export of garments and develop this sector. He formed a core group headed by adviser Dr Ijaz Nabi to submit recommendations for the promotion of export of garments in one month in consultation with stakeholders.

The delegation gave proposals on import policy, logistic support, industrial forum, skilled workforce and development of garments industry. The delegates said there was a vast potential for exports in the garments sector and policies were needed to increase national exports and investment.

They said they expected the garments exports to European countries to increase to $12 billion in the next 10 years. They said China was a big market where garments exports could be increased through effective measures.

The delegation consisted of Sajid Saleem, Wasim Akhtar, Azfar Hasan, Tariq Mehmood and M. Shahzad.