Pakistan Set for Record Cotton Output

Pakistan's cotton production and consumption are expected to hit historic highs this year as it aggressively prepares to meet global competition.

Pakistan is the fourth largest cotton producer in the world and poses a serious challenge to India in Western markets. Many experts believe Pakistan's low cost of production will allow it to come out a 'winner' when quotas governed by the multi-fiber arrangement expire on December 31. Pakistan has aggressively prepared to compete in the world textile and apparel markets. Its apparel and textile exports increased by 116% between 2001-02 to 2003-04. During the same period, Pakistani exports of cotton fabric also grew 26%…