Sportswear exports likely to double

European buyers shift orders from China to Pakistan.

SIALKOT: Following growing demand in international markets, exports of Pakistani sportswear are expected to double from existing $328 million annually with the capture of Chinese market, a leading textile manufacturer said.

Talking to the media here on Thursday, Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) Central Chairman for Sialkot Ejaz A Khokhar said due to diversification of manpower in China, buyers of European countries were facing inordinate delay in shipments and increase in prices.

Owing to this critical situation, the European importers have been shifting their orders to Pakistan, which produces high-quality products at competitive prices and ensures timely shipments. “This is giving a boost to sportswear exports from Pakistan,” he said.

He pointed out that several global multinational companies have shown keen interest in importing sportswear from Sialkot as they now preferred sports garments compared to fashion cloth. “Demand for Pakistani sportswear has increased in Europe as European people are sports conscious.”

He said a famous brand of the European Union was doing business with Pakistan, encouraging other companies and store chains to buy sportswear from Pakistan. European customers thought that China would not remain competitive in the near future.

“Now Pakistan is the only country in Asia, which can meet their demand regarding quality, competitive rates and timely shipment,” he stressed.

Khokhar said the change in attitude of European buyers should not be considered minor as it could be a big opportunity. In this regard, the government should play a supportive role by maintaining law and order, ending energy crisis and giving special incentives to exporters of sportswear and readymade garments.

These circumstances suggested that China would soon be out of competition with Pakistan until 2015, he said, adding a quantum jump in exports would help enhance tax revenues and create 20 per cent more jobs in the country.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 11^th,  2011.