Pakistan’s textile exports increased 2.95 per cent in the first quarter of the current fiscal year.

Shipments of knitwear and readymade garments rose in double digits during the period. The country’s textile sector exporters have been urged to adopt sustainable business processes and add green products to their range so that they can differentiate themselves from other competitors in the European market. Fairtrade, organic and/or responsible concepts in addition to complying with common sustainability standards and certification are seen as giving a competitive edge in Europe and easing market entry. Another area is value addition in producing artificial leather clothing. Another plan is to attract more buying houses to Pakistan. The country feels higher market segments are the most promising, as they allow exporters to distinguish their products. Pakistan’s exporters have also been encouraged to create their own brands as well to cater to specific niche areas in the textile sector like hospitals, hotel textiles, and safety/work wear textiles.

China, India and Vietnam are among the European Union’s major suppliers of textile products, while countries like Turkey, Italy, Portugal, and France have the advantage of being in proximity and assured timely supplies, with minimum financial cost of small inventories.