LAHORE: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan’s vital textile and automotive sectors are intensifying efforts to adopt greener, more sustainable practices following an initiative by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Employers’ Federation of Pakistan (EFP).
A one-day session in Lahore, titled “Just Transition and Climate Change: Driving Business Sustainability and Global Market Readiness for SMEs,” brought together industry representatives and SME owners. The event provided practical guidance on Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) integration, aiming to reduce costs and boost competitiveness.
Participants explored how aligning with global standards, such as the EU Green Deal, can open new markets and improve operational efficiency. ILO Pakistan Country Director Geir Tonstol emphasized that sustainability is an “investment in long-term competitiveness and resilience,” stressing that a Just Transition prepares industries and workers for the opportunities of a green economy.
The interactive session offered tailored tools for small enterprises to integrate sustainability and develop cost-effective compliance strategies. Several SMEs expressed interest in piloting ILO’s Just Transition assessment tools. The EFP, through Ghulam Mustafa Tabassum, reaffirmed its commitment to helping members meet evolving global buyer expectations, ensuring a greener, more resilient, and inclusive future for Pakistan’s key industrial sectors.