LCCI chief happy with cotton sector's revival.

LAHORE -- The cotton sector of Pakistan can play a critical role in economic development and poverty alleviation provided the government forms sustainable and supportive policies with the consultation of stakeholders.

In a message on World Cotton Day here Saturday, Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry Kashif Anwar President said that it is a good sign that Pakistan's cotton sector has made a remarkable recovery after suffering massive losses due to last year's devastating floods and around 71 percent surge has been recorded in cotton production.

He said that the credit goes to Federal Commerce Minister Gohar Ejaz, Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi and Punjab Minister for Energy, Industries, Commerce, Investment and Skills Development SM Tanveer for making serious efforts for the revival of the cotton sector.

The LCCI President added that cotton is the primary raw material of the textile sector which contributes about 60 percent to the overall exports of the country. He said that cotton, often referred to as "white gold," is an essential crop that forms the backbone of our textile industry, supporting the livelihoods of millions of people across Pakistan.

He said that shocking rains during last year triggered flash flood, destroying people's houses and farmlands across much of the country.

The LCCI president said that it was a matter of concern that the production of cotton had witnessed a sharp decline, dropping from 8.3 million bales in the 2021-22 season to 4.9 million bales in the 2022-23 season. But now it has been registering a notable improvement.

He said that cotton is not merely a commodity; it is a...