TEXPO 2024: Foreign delegates discuss bilateral trade challenges and opportunities

On the second day of TEXPO 2024, foreign delegations from Turkey, Russia, Nairobi, Ghana and Sri Lanka met with Zubair Motiwala, Chief Executive TDAP, and Sheryar Taj, Secretary TDAP, discussed special bilateral trade challenges and opportunities and explored ways to address them in order to enhance trade with Pakistan, said a press release issued on Thursday.

To facilitate foreign delegates, 1970 B2B meetings were conducted between foreign buyers and local exhibitors. Based on estimations from these meetings, it is expected that Pakistan will receive orders worth over $910 million.

The event maintained its momentum as buyers and sellers engaged in productive business negotiations. The day included a busy schedule of meetings between foreign buyers and their Pakistani counterparts. MoUs are signed by Argentina, Senegal, China and Vietnam during the event. Contracts of textile yarn are also signed by Chinese companies.

TDAP also organized an official reception for foreign delegates at PC Hotel in Karachi. Shakeel Ahmed Mangnejo, Special Secretary Commerce, Zubair Motiwala, Chief Executive of TDAP, and Sheryar Taj, Secretary TDAP, welcomed the distinguished foreign guests and local exhibitors. He emphasized that the warm hospitality of Pakistanis would leave a lasting impression.

Meetings between chambers and associations with foreign delegations have been done successfully. The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) collaborated with the TDAP and had business interactions with delegations from Senegal, Sri Lanka, UK, Argentina Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Russia. APTMA also engaged in extensive interactive sessions and B2B meetings with country delegations. Foreign delegates also witnessed a vibrant display of Pakistan’s creative prowess as top fashion designers from Pakistan showcased their innovative designs and artistic brilliance to the world. Warda Saleem, Pink Tree, Humayun Alamgir, Rising Stars, PLGMEA, Fahad Hussain, Warisha by House of Adnan, Michaelangelo Winklaar (Holland) and HSY represented Pakistan’s fashion industry. These designers captivated visitors with their unique creations, showcasing the creative side of Pakistan’s textile industry. Home Textile emerged as a focal point of interest for international buyers. The hosiery, Sportswear and Denim showcased their prowess and attracted significant attention from international buyers during the TEXPO exhibition.

As part of TEXPO Talks, a sideline event of TEXPO 2024, two seminars were held on October 24, focusing on sustainability and innovation in Pakistan’s textile and leather sectors. The first seminar, “Green Threads: Weaving Sustainability into Pakistan’s Textile and Leather Sectors,” featured speakers Mr. Omar Hameed (Economic Minister, Brussels) and Ms. Bianca Seidel (MD, Bianca Seidel Consultancy), with a panel discussion including Mr. Ivo Spauwen (Better Work Programme), Mr. Muhammad Fauz ul Azeem (Interloop), Mr. Imran Zaidi (Primark), and Dr. Hafsa Jamshed (NTU). The interactive Q&A session drew strong participation from industry stakeholders, government representatives, international buyers, and international agencies.