All-Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) has advocated for increased collaboration with China to help Pakistan reach its ambitious exports goal of $50 billion annually by 2029.
Representing over 223 textile companies, APTMA believes that stronger ties with China can significantly enhance Pakistan’s export earnings.
Pak-China cooperation in textiles is essential to exhibit complementary advantages across various sectors, offering a robust framework for mutual growth, states Shahid Sattar, Secretary General, APTMA.
Supported by initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), this strategic alliance has had a significant impact on Pakistani firms accessing the Chinese market.
Pakistan's exports of goods and services to China surged by 40.01 percent during the first half of the current fiscal year 2023-24 compared to the corresponding period last year, as per the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), underscoring a notable achievement and the deepening economic relations between the two countries.
Furthermore, China’s textile industry's is at the forefront in technological innovation and sustainability, highlights Sattar. The country advances in high-end manufacturing and pioneering innovations in synthetic fibers and eco-friendly manufacturing processes.
This dedication to innovation has established China as a leader in the global textile market, prioritising the production of higher quality, environmentally conscious products.
Pakistan is witnessing a significant shift towards ethical and sustainable fashion, embracing eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton and recycled fabrics, and blending traditional craftsmanship with modern designs. These efforts have been bolstered by substantial export growth during FY20-FY22.
However, significant opportunities for further collaboration remain, particularly in sustainable textile production, textile technology research and development, and joint efforts to explore new markets.
