ISLAMABD: In a significant development on Wednesday, Business Sweden and the Swedish Embassy, in collaboration with key stakeholders from the textile industry, announced launch of a sustainable textiles platform in Pakistan.

The platform’s formal launch event brought together sourcing companies, producers, public sector decision-makers, and academia, uniting efforts to drive positive change in the textile sector.

It highlighted the role of Swedish textile giants like IKEA and H&M, along with technology providers such as Atlas Copco, through insightful panel discussions.

This initiative aimed to explore how Swedish technology and innovations could contribute to advancing sustainability and productivity within Pakistan’s textile sector, with a strong focus on circularity, water treatment, and renewable energy.

The event recognized that textile, garments, and apparel manufacturing sector in Pakistan were vital components of the nation’s economy, contributing nearly 10pc to its GDP.

Despite its economic significance, the industry faced substantial challenges, particularly regarding environmental sustainability. As global markets increasingly demanded eco-friendly practices, the Pakistani textile sector was striving to innovate and compete internationally.

Participants learnt that to confront these challenges head-on, Pakistani textile manufacturers were ramping up efforts to integrate environmental sustainability measures. Key strategies included adopting renewable energy sources, implementing advanced water management solutions, and embracing recycling methodologies. These initiatives were crucial not only for bolstering the industry’s global competitiveness but also for ensuring its long-term viability.

Speakers also acknowledged that achieving a common industry standard for sustainability practices remained a pressing need.

Recognising this imperative, Swedish technology and innovation were poised to play a pivotal role in transforming Pakistan’s textile sector.

By embracing Swedish innovations, Pakistani manufacturers stood to enhance efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and secure sustained economic success.

Dag Juhlin-Dannfelt, who is Director General for Global Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sweden, emphasized that“The people of Pakistan are acutely aware of the impacts of climate change. The sustainable textile platform not only seeks to mitigate these challenges but also aims to inspire more companies to adopt sustainable practices.

The Swedish business community stands ready to provide expertise and collaborate closely with Pakistani partners to achieve tangible improvements.”

Ambassador Henrik Persson noted, “The partnership between Swedish and Pakistani companies in the textile sector is already robust. The concept of sustainable textiles holds immense potential for Pakistan to sustain and enhance its competitiveness in global markets. Swedish partners are committed to supporting this endeavor.”

Emil Akander, Vice President of Business Sweden, added, “Sweden’s strategy emphasizes enhancing trade, investment, and global competitiveness, particularly in dynamic markets like Pakistan. Establishing a sustainable practices platform marks a significant stride toward advancing Pakistan’s textile sector competitiveness. Collaborations with Swedish firms such as IKEA, H&M, and Atlas Copco are poised to drive this transformative agenda forward.”

Published in Dawn, June 27th, 2024