ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s export of textile and clothing products witnessed a growth of 9.99 per cent in the first quarter of the current fiscal year from a year ago.

Export proceeds from these sectors rebounded following substantial increase in export of raw cotton and value-added products, showed data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics here on Tuesday.Export of textile and clothing surged to $3.576bn in July-Sept 2013 from $3.251bn during the corresponding months of last year.

The products, which witnessed a negative growth in July-Sept 2013 over the same months last year, are cotton carded, yarn other than cotton yarn, towels and art silk.

However, growth in exports in the first three months was mainly driven by bedwear and readymade garments, which are valued-added products.

Exports witnessed a growth because of increase in export to the European markets owing to preferential market access on selected products.

The European Union’s preferential package on import of 75 items was in operation since December 2012.

Depreciation of Pakistani currency is also one of the pushing factors in export proceeds during the first quarter of the current fiscal year from a year ago.

In terms of rupees, exports proceeds witnessed a growth of 19.82pc in July-September 2013 this year from a year ago.

A sector-wise analysis showed that export of low value-added products, such as cotton yarn, was up by 8.55pc, cotton cloth 4.01pc, made-up articles 9.95pc, and other textile material 10.84pc in first three months of the current fiscal year over same months last year.

Export of bedwear increased by 25.81pc, knitwear 0.03pc and readymade garments 13.46pc in July-Sept 2013 this year over the same month last year.

Statistics showed that export of raw cotton witnessed a robust growth of 164.24pc in the first three months of the current fiscal year over last year.

Industry sources said that consistent supply of gas during the period under review to textile sector produced the desired results, especially in the Punjab.

The growth in yarn and fabric exports was mainly because of improved energy supply.

Total export proceeds witnessed a growth of 9.23pc to $6.712bn in July-Sept 2013 from $6.144bn over the corresponding period of last year.