Pakistan and the Netherlands along with other international bodies have collaborated to uphold international standards and practices in the textile and garment industry. This is the beginning of a process, which started in January 2014 and was agreed to at a meeting in Washington DC in September 2014. It brings together buyers, brands, manufacturers, governments, workers and employers’ organisations. The aim is to create a platform for dialogue to improve their cooperation toward a sustainable growth of the sector improving competitiveness and compliance with international standards.

The Netherlands has good relations with Pakistan. It has supported numerous development projects in Pakistan. The two countries are major economic partners. The Netherlands is the fourth largest foreign direct investor in Pakistan. The Netherlands and Pakistan are major trading partners. Of the European Union member states, the Netherlands is Pakistan’s fifth largest export destination. The Netherlands imports primarily textiles, woven fabrics and bedding from Pakistan and exports oil and oil products, machinery and chemicals to Pakistan. The Netherlands has made a shift in its policy from development and aid to trade which will result in enhancement in the trade volume between the two countries.