Pakistan's textile and apparel exporters must accelerate investment in green supply chains, cleaner production, and digital technologies to remain competitive as global buyers increasingly prioritize environmental performance and transparency, experts said on Wednesday. They were speaking at the launch of the second Global Procurement & Supply Chain Summit (GPS 2027) at NED University.
The summit, organized by Horizon Summit Management, is scheduled for 20 January 2027 in Karachi. Hafiz Kashif, Director of Artistic Milliners, stated that buyers - particularly in European and other environmentally conscious markets - are rigorously assessing suppliers' carbon footprints, energy efficiency, water conservation, and responsible sourcing.
He emphasized that cleaner technologies, renewable energy, and recognized sustainability standards are becoming central to long-term competitiveness. Participants noted that smaller manufacturers and suppliers face significant challenges in meeting evolving compliance requirements while grappling with rising production costs.
Dr. Majida Kazmi, Professor at NED University and Director of its STEM Centre, stressed the need to cultivate practical skills in artificial intelligence, automation, and digital tools. She called for enhanced university-industry collaboration to align academic curricula with industrial requirements.
Participants concluded that export competitiveness will depend on resilient supply chains and a skilled workforce, alongside manufacturing capacity and pricing. The GPS 2027 summit will convene industry leaders, procurement professionals, technology experts, policymakers, and academics to discuss sustainable sourcing, industrial automation, and AI adoption across the textile and apparel value chain.
The textile sector remains the backbone of Pakistan's economy, contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings. However, experts warned that traditional manufacturing methods are no longer sufficient to capture market share in a world shifting toward ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance.
The upcoming summit aims to provide a roadmap for local firms to integrate these global standards. By adopting digital tracking and green energy, Pakistani exporters can mitigate the risks of trade barriers and improve their standing in high-value international markets.
Industry leaders also highlighted that government support in terms of policy incentives for green energy adoption would be crucial for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to transition effectively. As the global supply chain landscape evolves, the integration of AI and data-driven procurement will be the deciding factor for Pakistan's industrial future, the speakers concluded.