Pakistani Textile Exporters Told to Invest in Green Supply Chains to Stay Competitive

Pakistani textile and apparel exporters need to speed up investment in greener supply chains, cleaner production methods and digital tools if they are to keep their place in international markets, industry and academic experts said at an event in Karachi.

The comments came at the launch of the second Global Procurement and Supply Chain Summit (GPS 2027) at NED University on November 11. The summit, organised by Horizon Summit Management, is scheduled to be held on January 20, 2027, and will bring together industry leaders, procurement professionals, technology experts, policymakers and academics.

Hafiz Kashif, a director at Artistic Milliners, said international buyers, especially those serving European and other environmentally conscious markets, are increasingly assessing suppliers on carbon footprint, energy efficiency, water conservation and responsible sourcing. He said cutting emissions and adopting sustainable procurement practices are becoming essential for continued access to overseas markets, and that cleaner technologies, renewable energy and recognised sustainability standards are growing in importance for exporters seeking long-term competitiveness.

Participants also pointed to the difficulties facing smaller manufacturers and suppliers, who must meet shifting compliance requirements while coping with rising production costs. They said Pakistan's export competitiveness will increasingly rest on resilient supply chains and a skilled workforce, alongside manufacturing capacity and pricing.

Dr Majida Kazmi, a professor at NED University, vice chairperson of the Institution of Engineers Pakistan's Karachi centre and director of the STEM Centre, stressed the need to build practical capabilities in artificial intelligence, automation and digital technologies. She said closer collaboration between universities and businesses is needed so that education and technical training match industrial requirements, particularly in manufacturing operations, procurement and supply chain management, adding that an interdisciplinary approach to science, technology, engineering and mathematics would help students develop analytical thinking, adaptability and practical problem-solving skills.

Horizon Summit Management CEO Syed Faisal Ali thanked participants and acknowledged the media's role in highlighting Pakistan's industrial capabilities and innovation. The launch was attended by representatives from the textile, IT, engineering, procurement and supply chain management sectors. GPS 2027 is expected to focus on sustainable sourcing, industrial automation, AI adoption and opportunities across the textile and apparel value chain.