July 25, 2023 (MLN): International fashion retailer Marks & Spencer Group is looking for enhancing imports of textile products from Pakistan, said Mr. Unsal Erdogan, Country Manager for Turkey during a meeting with All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) on Monday.
The Group will import woven garments, denim, socks, towels, graphic design T-shirts Polo Shirts, etc., from Pakistan, he added.
According to him, experts from Marks & Spencer will visit Pakistan in the month of September to interact with APTMA member mills.
The delegation members showed interest in knowing about the potential of Pakistan's textile industry and its upcoming challenges.
Chairman APTMA North Zone Mr. Hamid Zaman invited Marks & Spencer delegation to open their sourcing offices in Pakistan.
He said the GSP+ allows access to Pakistani exports to compete with its competitors such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, etc. He expressed the hope that Pakistan would get renewed the facility ahead as well.
The GSP plus opens a window for Pakistani exports to Europe, especially when China is losing the market. He said Pakistan was complying with 27 conventions relating to human rights, environment, labor rights, narcotics control, corruption control, gender rights, etc. And its compliance with six new conventions will further uplift Pakistan’s image.
Former Chairman of APTMA Mr Aamir Fayyaz said the industry has carried out five billion dollars in investment during the COVID period. He said there is a huge potential for enhancing exports to $50 billion by setting up more and more stitching units in Pakistan.
