‘Pakistani fashion industry has great potential’

LAHORE:Pakistani fashion industry has great potential which can earn huge foreign exchange through export of fashion industry products if it succeeds to catch the attention of western buyers.

These views were expressed by the head of Italian delegation Ms Stella Maria Novarino, Ms Diana Battaggia and UNIDO representatives speaking at a moot here at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). They said the world was going to other regional countries to buy handmade embroidery and products for fashion industry despite the fact that Pakistan has far better expertise. Members of Italian UNIDO delegation Ms Danielle Doujour, Ms Elisabetta Latanzio Illy, Federico Barassi, Dino Fortunato also spoke on the occasion. LCCI Senior Vice President Khawaja Shahzad Nasir, Vice President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigal, Convener LCCI Standing Committee on Women Business Development Aasia Saail Khan represented the business community besides veteran businessman Rehmatullah Javeed.

Ms Stella Maria Novarino said that all those women are not just workers but artists who are doing embroidery, stitching and other related works. “We also want to change the perception of Pakistan in the world through Pakistani finest quality work and art and want to highlight the talent of Pakistani women that is fit for international fashion Industry”, She added. She said that Pakistani women entrepreneurs have everything that Italian Fashion Company needs. There is no reason not to work with them. Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigal said that fashion industry of Pakistan can get a good share from the international fashion market worth billions of dollars. He said that from 220 million population of Pakistan, women comprise of more than 50 percent of it. Through introducing new projects, a large number of population can be benefitted and contribute in national economy. He said that Pakistan’s Fashion designing and clothing industry has become an important dimension for national economy because of its export potential. He said that decision makers should realise its significance in view of its huge potential for future expansion and give all possible facilities.

Aasia Saail Khan said: “We have to promote our fashion industry and embroidery sector to secure an important place in the international market.