Pakistan fourth largest exhibitor at Heimtextil
Pakistan is showcasing its textile sector at the world's largest trade fair for home textiles, Heimtextil 2025, with a record number of exhibitors and a significant boost to its export prospects. The event, which commenced on January 14 in Frankfurt, Germany, features 2,800 exhibitors from 130 countries, with Pakistan emerging as the fourth-largest exhibiting nation.
This year, Pakistan's participation at Heimtextil has reached unprecedented levels, with over 275 exhibitors showcasing their productsa more than 10% increase from last year. The country's national pavilion, organised by the Ministry of Commerce, includes 64 small companies, marking Pakistan's largest-ever presence at the event.
"Heimtextil is crucial for Pakistan's home textile exports," said Shafaat Ahmad Kaleem, Pakistan's Consul General in Frankfurt. "This year's record participation is expected to result in a significant increase in exports. Business meetings between Pakistani exporters and global buyers, scheduled for January 15 under the 'Thread Connect' initiative, will further strengthen these ties."
Messe Frankfurt's representative in Pakistan, Omar Salahuddin, expressed enthusiasm about the scale of Pakistani participation. "This year, the exhibition features a record 275 exhibitors from Pakistan," Salahuddin said. "With larger stalls and a better, more strategic location for our exhibitors, we expect to see a significant boost in Pakistan's export potential."
Pakistani exhibitors are presenting a diverse range of home textile products, including towels, bed linen, and apparel. Messe Frankfurt is also providing marketing support to help these exhibitors access new global markets.
Exporter Syed Osman Ali highlighted the increasing opportunities for Pakistani textiles in Western markets. "The export value of home textile products is already $2 billion, and with the US tightening policies on Chinese products and cotton, Pakistani textiles are well-positioned to capture more market share," he said. "This exhibition is the perfect platform to tap into that potential."
As the exhibition progresses, Pakistani exporters remain optimistic about the future of the textile industry, especially with the European Union's sustainability regulations set to take effect between 2025 and 2030. Industry insiders revealed that approximately 30% of Pakistan's textile sector currently meets international sustainability standards, a figure that must double by 2030 to remain competitive globally.
"This exhibition will help us plan production for the next six months," said a participant, "from cotton procurement to the logistics of delivering finished products. With stable utility costs and a strong rupee, fulfilling export orders will be much easier."