KARACHI, October 25 2024: On the second day of TEXPO 2024, the excitement and energy of the event continued to flourish as foreign delegations from Turkey, Russia, Nairobi, Ghana, and Sri Lanka engaged in meaningful discussions with Zubair Motiwala, Chief Executive of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), and Sheryar Taj, Secretary TDAP. Their talks focused on identifying special bilateral trade challenges and opportunities and exploring effective strategies to enhance trade with Pakistan.
To facilitate interactions between international buyers and local exhibitors, an impressive 1,970 B2B meetings took place. Based on the outcomes of these meetings, it is projected that Pakistan will secure orders worth over USD 910 million—a significant boost for the local economy.
The day was bustling with productive negotiations, showcasing the commitment of both buyers and sellers. Numerous Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed with representatives from Argentina, Senegal, China, and Vietnam, further solidifying international trade relations. Additionally, contracts for textile yarn were finalized by Chinese companies, underscoring the event’s success in fostering business connections.
An official reception for foreign delegates was hosted at the PC Hotel in Karachi, where Shakeel Ahmed Mangnejo, Special Secretary of Commerce, joined Zubair Motiwala and Sheryar Taj in welcoming esteemed guests. The event highlighted the warm hospitality of Pakistanis, ensuring that visitors left with fond memories of their experience.
Collaboration was a key theme of the day, as the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) partnered with TDAP to facilitate discussions with delegations from Senegal, Sri Lanka, the UK, Argentina, and Russia. The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) also engaged in fruitful interactions and B2B meetings, showcasing the potential for growth in the textile sector.
Fashion took centre stage as top Pakistani designers dazzled attendees with their innovative creations. Designers like Warda Saleem, Pink Tree, Humayun Alamgir, and HSY displayed their artistic brilliance, attracting significant attention from international buyers. The home textile segment emerged as a focal point, alongside hosiery, sportswear, and denim, highlighting Pakistan’s diverse textile industry.
As part of the TEXPO Talks series, two impactful seminars were held on sustainability and innovation within Pakistan’s textile and leather sectors. The first seminar, “Green Threads: Weaving Sustainability into Pakistan’s Textile and Leather Sectors,” featured notable speakers such as Mr. Omar Hameed, Economic Minister in Brussels, and Ms. Bianca Seidel, MD of Bianca Seidel Consultancy.
The engaging panel discussion included experts from Better Work Programme, Interloop, Primark, and NTU, drawing active participation from industry stakeholders and international buyers.
The second seminar, “From Waste to Worth: Circular Innovations in Pakistan,” presented innovative ideas on sustainability. Moderated by Mr. Usman Khan, the panel featured esteemed professionals from the Trade & Investment Counsellor’s office, Pakistan Single Window, and Mehran University, fostering dynamic discussions and valuable insights.
The day concluded with foreign guests and local exhibitors expressing appreciation for the meticulous arrangements and the cultural exchange opportunities TEXPO 2024 provided. As the event continues, the spirit of collaboration and innovation promises to propel Pakistan’s trade and textile industries into a bright future.
