LAHORE (IN): British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott has called on Pakistan’s textile industry to strengthen sustainability compliance, explore greater access to the United Kingdom’s market and deepen commercial partnerships with British brands, retailers and technical institutions.She made these remarks during an interactive session with the leadership and senior members of the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) at APTMA House in Lahore on Saturday. She was accompanied by Ben Warrington, Head of the Lahore Office at the British High Commission, and Reema Salman, Outreach Lead at the British High Commission Lahore.
The meeting focused on practical opportunities to enhance bilateral trade, investment and institutional cooperation, particularly across Pakistan’s textile and apparel value chain.The British High Commissioner appreciated the diversity of Pakistan’s textile industry and its efforts to address sustainability requirements and comply with international conventions. She urged the business community, particularly exporters, to take immediate measures to ensure compliance with relevant international conventions and requirements for tariff exemptions on exports to the UK.Encouraging Pakistani entrepreneurs to expand their international outreach, Marriott stressed the importance of participating in trade fairs and exhibitions in the United Kingdom to establish direct links with British buyers and consumers.She also highlighted the need to improve market access and strengthen connections with British high-street brands and retailers, while exploring partnerships in innovation, research and the development of technical and specialised textiles.The High Commissioner further encouraged APTMA members to engage British consultants and sector specialists who could provide expertise and technical support in areas of mutual interest.
Speaking on the occasion, APTMA Chairman Asad Shafi described the textile and apparel sector as a significant platform for strengthening the longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.He said there was considerable potential to expand bilateral trade, investment and institutional cooperation, adding that stronger engagement with British stakeholders could enhance the competitiveness, sustainability, innovation and international market access of Pakistan’s textile industry.
Shafi emphasised that collaboration with British textile laboratories, testing facilities, universities and research centres could contribute to product development, quality assurance, sustainability initiatives and technical capacity building.He called for a practical framework of cooperation between APTMA, the British High Commission and relevant UK institutions to translate shared priorities into concrete initiatives across spinning, weaving, processing, garments, home textiles and export-oriented manufacturing.He expressed confidence that stronger links with British brands, retailers, consultants, technical institutions and investors would open new commercial opportunities and promote sustainable growth in the sector.
APTMA Chairman North Muhammad Siddique Bhatti said the interaction had provided members with an important opportunity to highlight the industry’s priorities and identify areas where British expertise and institutional support could help improve productivity, encourage innovation, strengthen skills development and facilitate access to the UK market.He reaffirmed APTMA’s commitment to constructive engagement with the British High Commission and relevant stakeholders to build lasting partnerships, strengthen the textile value chain and advance economic cooperation between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.The visiting delegation was received by APTMA office-bearers, including Vice Chairman Muhammad Anees Khawaja, Senior Vice Chairman North Habib Anwar Sheikh, Vice Chairman North Muhammad Ali, and Treasurer North Danish Aslam, along with other senior members of the association.
