KARACHI, October 2, 2026: Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President Atif Ikram Sheikh has called for a joint strategy to strengthen the Asia-Pacific textile industry.
He said regional countries should work together to improve competitiveness and expand their share of global textile markets.
Sheikh presented Pakistan’s perspective at a CACCI webinar titled “Textile Industry in Asia Pacific Region: Opportunities, Challenges and Way Forward.” The Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) and FPCCI jointly organised the session.
Representatives from 28 CACCI member chambers attended the webinar. Sheikh thanked the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry for co-organising the event.
Asia-Pacific Holds Major Textile Share
Sheikh said the Asia-Pacific region accounts for a significant share of the global textile market. He called for greater regional coordination to capture more export opportunities.
He said countries should complement competition with cooperation. He proposed a joint strategy to expand textile exports to the European Union, Africa and the United States.
He also identified sustainability and technological innovation as key factors for future competitiveness.
Digital traceability, AI-enabled product development, cross-border investment and international branding would also play a growing role, he said.
Pakistan Seeks Stronger Regional Integration
Sheikh highlighted Pakistan’s integrated textile value chain. It stretches from cotton production to finished garments.
He also cited incentives available to the textile sector. These include duty-free machinery imports, lower tariffs on raw materials, GSP+ access to the European Union and zero-duty access to China.
He also mentioned Duty Drawback and the Long-Term Financing Facility as measures supporting the industry.
Sheikh said Pakistan’s location could strengthen its role as a trade gateway. He pointed to connectivity with Central Asia, the Gulf and the Far East.
He also highlighted CPEC and expanding road and rail links connecting Pakistan with Türkiye and Central Asia through Iran.
Focus on Untapped Export Potential
The FPCCI president identified apparel, home textiles, ready-made garments and industrial textiles as areas with further export potential.
He called for stronger regional value chains and more business-to-business partnerships.
The webinar also included a question-and-answer session. Participants raised issues related to supply-chain transparency, regulatory compliance, GSP+ and regional value-chain development.
The CACCI webinar provided a platform for business representatives from across the region to discuss textile production, trade and future cooperation.
