PRGMEA demands TEXPO return to Lahore, cries foul over broken rotation promise

LAHORE: The Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) has expressed dissatisfaction with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan’s (TDAP) decision to relocate TEXPO 2024 to Karachi, alleging a breach of the established rotational schedule.

PRGMEA insists that Lahore, the scheduled host city and a major garment industrial hub, should retain the event to benefit from its strategic position in attracting international buyers. As per the schedule, this year's event was to be held in Lahore because the previous TEXPO 2023 was held in Karachi.

The PRGMEA chairman (NZ) Ahmad Hanif has asked the authority to bring this mega event to the Punjab provincial capital, which is the major garment industrial hub, as the previous TEXPO exhibition of 2023 held in Karachi had witnessed successful participation from Punjab, facilitating our esteemed members in engaging with potential buyers and showcasing their products to a global audience.

In a letter, written simultaneously to TDAP chief executive Zubair Motiwala and Commerce Secretary Capt (r) Khurram Agha, a copy of which is available with The News, the PRGMEA North Zone chairman Ahmad Hanif requested the government to organize this year’s TEXPO 2024 in Lahore because of its significance in attracting international buyers.

The regional chairman also appreciated the role of TDAP in boosting industrial activities in the region and hoped that the authority would be in touch to increase cooperation in this regard. The PRGMEA north zone attaches great importance to its partnership with the TDAP as one of the largest government entities to collaborate and support the garment exporters in the country.

Hanif observed that TEXPO Pakistan served as a significant platform for the value-added textile sector, attracting a large number of genuine and major buyers and delegations from key markets such as the USA, Europe, and China.

“We believe that participating in TEXPO 2024 presents a valuable opportunity for our members to connect with world buyers through both B2B and B2C interactions. However, considering the importance of regional inclusivity and fair representation, we kindly request TDAP to consider organizing the 5th TEXPO 2024 in Lahore as per the rotation schedule,” he stated.

Lahore, being a major textile hub, offers an ideal setting for hosting such a prestigious event. Moreover, holding TEXPO in this city of the textile hub will ensure broader participation from both the manufacturers and the exporters across the country, promoting inclusivity and equitable opportunities for all stakeholders.

“We believe that organizing TEXPO 2024 in Lahore will not only benefit the textile industry but also contribute to the overall economic growth and development of the region. We trust that TDAP will give due consideration to our request and take necessary actions to accommodate the rotation of TEXPO to the Punjab provincial capital,” Hanif concluded.

When contacted, chief executive TDAP Zubair Motiwala, speaking to The News, said that there is no such schedule for holding TEXPO in Lahore. In fact, TDAP keeps the international exhibitors in view and their interest while holding a trade fair, and so is the case with TEXPO. "The number of expos like the Mega Leather Show is always held in Lahore. So, there is no issue with holding TEXPO in Karachi again. Furthermore, PRGMEA is only one association out of nine sectors' associations." However, he said he would look into the PRGMEA letter since it had not been received at his office yet.