Asad Shafi Sets Focus on Expanding Textile Exports
Newly elected Chairman of the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) Asad Shafi has said Pakistan’s textile industry has the capacity to generate an additional $3 billion in exports during the current year, provided the sector receives a competitive and predictable business environment.
After assuming charge as Chairman APTMA, Shafi said his primary focus would be on working with the Government and industry to expand value-added exports, investment and employment.
He also said targeted new investment could help Pakistan increase textile exports by $10 billion over the next two to three years.
Pakistan Has Complete Textile Value Chain
Asad Shafi highlighted Pakistan’s position among countries with an integrated textile value chain, covering fibre, spinning, weaving, processing, finishing, garments, apparel and home textiles.
He said APTMA’s objective would increasingly be to leverage this domestic supply chain to produce and export higher-value finished products.
According to Shafi, increasing the share of domestic inputs and processes in exports can help retain greater value within Pakistan through employment, investment, industrial activity and foreign exchange earnings.
Over 80% of Textile Exports Are Value-Added Products
Pakistan has already made progress in expanding value-added textile exports, with more than 80% of textile exports comprising value-added consumer products, including apparel and home textiles, according to the APTMA chairman.
However, Shafi said the next opportunity lies beyond manufacturing and involves capturing a larger share of the value generated after products leave the factory.
Manufacturing typically represents less than 30% of the final retail value of apparel, while substantial value is generated through product development, design, branding, marketing and retail.
APTMA Targets Stronger Links With Global Brands
Shafi said Pakistan needs to build stronger connections between textile manufacturers and brands to increase the value captured from international markets.
He highlighted opportunities for existing Pakistani brands to expand internationally while also enabling manufacturers to develop their own brands and retail channels.
Developing stronger links between manufacturing, branding and international retail will therefore be among APTMA’s key priorities in the coming years.
APTMA to Broaden Membership Across Textile Value Chain
In line with its broader objective, APTMA is also expanding its membership base beyond its traditional representation of spinners, weavers and value-added manufacturers.
The association plans to include major Pakistani textile and apparel brands and retailers, bringing different parts of the value chain onto a common platform.
The move is intended to encourage greater coordination across manufacturing, branding and retail as Pakistan seeks to increase the value generated from its textile exports.
Pakistan Seeks Greater Share of International Retail Value
Shafi said Pakistan should continue expanding exports of manufactured products while simultaneously seeking to capture a greater share of the final value generated in international markets.
He said the next frontier for Pakistan’s textile exports would involve moving beyond manufacturing alone.
According to the newly elected APTMA chairman, Pakistan should increasingly aim to design, brand, market and sell products internationally, alongside manufacturing them domestically.