Pakistan, Brazil strengthen cotton sector ties with new MoU

LAHORE: The Brazilian Cotton Producers Association (ABRAPA) has assured Pakistan of full technical support to upsurge local production of cotton.

This assurance was extended by a Brazilian delegation consisting of the Brazilian Cotton Producers Association, Brazilian Cotton Shippers Association and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency during a meeting at the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association’s (APTMA) Lahore office.

Both Pakistan and Brazil agreed to enhance cooperation to strengthen bilateral ties in the cotton sector while exploring investment opportunities in Pakistan. They discussed the significant potential for collaboration in cotton and textiles, as well as expanding trade and investment relations in other key areas.

The visiting delegates acknowledged Pakistan’s strong potential for growth in the textile sector and also emphasised the importance of continued engagement and dialogue with counterparts in Pakistan to increase trade volume.

During the meeting, APTMA Chairman Kamran Arshad gave a detailed presentation, stressing the need to enhance bilateral trade relations to facilitate technology transfer for high-yielding cotton seeds. He also advocated for the entry of international seed companies with transgenic technology into Pakistan.

APTMA has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with ABRAPA, for the establishment of cotton warehousing facilities in Pakistan to serve regional markets and the strengthening of Brazilian cotton links with Pakistan’s textile industry. Both sides also discussed collaboration on cotton traceability systems, the introduction of improved, genetically modified, and certified seeds, as well as synergies with Pakistan’s cotton research institutes.