$3b export orders expected at Heimtextil fair

Pakistani exporters securing orders from Europe, other regions

FRANKFURT:

The ongoing Heimtextil 2024 exhibition has placed Pakistani home textile products at the forefront of global interest as international buyers look keen to buy these goods.

Pakistani consulate in Frankfurt has expressed satisfaction with the enthusiastic response, anticipating significant export orders for Pakistan. Consul General of Pakistan Zahid Hussain, while highlighting the pivotal role of Heimtextil international trade fair, stated “every year, a large number of Pakistani companies and visitors participate in this exhibition. Our consulate is providing full support to ensure the event becomes economically fruitful for Pakistan.”

Hussain outlined the positive impact of the extended GSP Plus facility provided by the European Union on Pakistan’s market share in the 27-nation bloc. “Pakistani exhibitors are satisfied and excited about the response; companies are securing export orders not only from Europe but also from outside of the continent,” he said.

Despite a railway strike in Germany, Pakistani companies saw a significant influx of buyers at their stalls, which indicated the international interest and trust in Pakistani products.

The consul general encouraged exporters to focus on sustainability and environmental compliance to achieve greater success in the European market.

While welcoming the extension of the GSP Plus status, he acknowledged the collective efforts of Pakistani diplomats, commercial counsellors and the government. “The extension of GSP Plus is encouraging and we are moving in a positive direction,” he asserted.

At the event, All Pakistan Bed Sheet Manufacturers Association’s former chairman Arif Ehsan Malik noted the challenges, stating “Pakistan faces stiff competition from India, China, Bangladesh and Vietnam due to higher costs, particularly of electricity.”

Read Pakistani textile innovation shines at Heimtextil 2024

Malik stressed that for increasing Pakistan’s competitiveness, it was necessary to align electricity tariffs with rival countries.

He underlined the significance of exploring new markets, particularly in Latin America and African countries, to expand the export of home textiles, and expected export orders of $3 billion in coordination with Pakistan’s embassy at the Frankfurt fair.

Orient Textile Mills Director Sales and Marketing Wahid Tumbi pointed to the increased number of buyers and visitors, saying “this is a good opportunity for Pakistan as European buyers prioritise sustainability, which aligns with our focus on organic materials and innovative fibres.”

Tumbi disclosed that they had met non-traditional buyers including Korean customers, which indicated the broader interest in Pakistani products. Pakistan’s home textile exporters, participating in the fair, are optimistic about the prospects of increase in shipments and market expansion in the wake of positive response from the global community.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 12^th, 2024.

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