Newly elected All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) Chairman Asad Shafi has set an ambitious agenda to increase Pakistan’s textile exports, saying the industry can add $3 billion in exports this year and raise exports by $10 billion within two to three years.
Shafi made the remarks after assuming charge as APTMA chairman. He said the targets could be achieved through new investment and a competitive, predictable business environment.
He said his immediate priority would be to work with the government and industry to expand value-added exports, investment and employment.
Focus on Value-Added Exports
Shafi highlighted Pakistan’s complete textile value chain, which covers production from fibre and spinning to weaving, processing, garments, apparel and home textiles.
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He said APTMA would focus on using this domestic supply chain to produce and export more finished products.
According to APTMA, more than 80% of Pakistan’s textile exports already comprise value-added consumer products, including apparel and home textiles.
Shafi said the next opportunity was to capture more value after products leave factories.
Manufacturing typically accounts for less than 30% of an apparel product’s final retail value, he said. Product development, design, branding, marketing and retail generate much of the remaining value.
APTMA to Expand Brand and Retail Links
Shafi said Pakistan should move beyond manufacturing and develop stronger links between manufacturers, brands and international retailers.
He said APTMA would support Pakistani brands seeking international expansion. The association would also encourage manufacturers to develop their own brands and retail channels.
“This is the next frontier for Pakistan’s textile exports,” Shafi said.
He said Pakistani companies should increasingly design, brand, market and sell their products internationally instead of focusing only on manufacturing.
APTMA is also broadening its membership to include major Pakistani textile and apparel brands and retailers. The move is aimed at bringing different parts of the textile value chain onto one platform.
Shafi Seeks Lower Energy and Financing Costs
Shafi said export growth would depend on reducing Pakistan’s cost of doing business.
He called for industrial electricity at 7 cents per kilowatt-hour, gas at $7 per MMBtu and financing at 7% per year.
He also sought the restoration of Duty Drawback of Local Taxes and Levies (DLTL) support for exporters.
The APTMA chairman called for faster payment of outstanding sales tax, income tax and other government refunds. He said improved liquidity was essential for exporters to expand operations and invest in new capacity.
Calls for Easier Overseas Expansion
Shafi also urged the government to ease foreign exchange and regulatory restrictions that limit investment in overseas warehouses, distribution networks, marketing and retail operations.
He called for an enabling framework for e-commerce and retail-oriented shipments from Pakistan.
He said the country already had an established textile manufacturing base. The industry has skilled workers, international buyers and significant installed capacity.
Shafi said the immediate challenge was to use that capacity more effectively while creating conditions for further investment.
APTMA Plans Export Growth Roadmap
Shafi said APTMA would work closely with the government during his tenure to develop a practical roadmap for export growth.
The plan would focus on strengthening the domestic textile value chain, attracting investment and increasing the global presence of Pakistani textile manufacturers and brands.
APTMA’s new leadership comes after the association elected its office-bearers for the 2026-28 term, with Shafi taking the chairman’s position.
