Extension of duty-free export saves 6,000 jobs

With the extension of duty-free export status by the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) for Malawi, textile industry of the country will be benefited by free market access status in Southern Africa Development Community (SADC).This extension of deal would save the jobs of over 6,000 workers of textile and garment manufacturing industry as country is very much dependent on export deal.

Experts are of the opinion that they should be given at least five years to enable the industry to grow and achieve double transformation.

Double transformation means industry should have ability to manufacture fabrics and garments to enjoy preferential market access under regional trade terms. Current export quota of textile and garment of the country stands at 12.5 million tonnes.