Pakistan has announced a technology upgrade scheme, which will be launched in July, to support businesses in the textile sector, sources reported.

Under the scheme, while SMEs will be eligible for grants up to Rs. 10 million per unit, bigger companies will be entitled to the five-per cent relief in their mark-up.

The government has also planned garment city projects in Karachi, Lahore and Faisalabad, besides a Pakistan textile city.

Of these, the Faisalabad garment city has already started functioning. Lahore garment city being built at the Sundar Industrial Estate is in the final stage of completion while the work on Karachi garment city is yet to begin on the 300 acre land acquired for the purpose.

The Federal Secretary also announced that a draft of the proposed Textile Industry law is ready. Feedback is being sought from the chambers of commerce and industry on the draft proposal before it goes to the Parliament.