International Textile Asia 2005 Exhibition and 2nd International Textile and Garment Machinery Show is being organised by the Ministry of Textile Industry, Ministry of Privatisation and Export Promotion Bureau in collaboration with E-commerce Gateway, Singapore from March 19-21, 2005 at Karachi Expo Centre and is indeed a great example of public private partnerships in the Textile sector of the country. Last year Textile Asia was organised in conjunction with International Trade and Industry Fair ITIF Asia 2004 but after the great response the organisers received from the industry, the organisers consented to enhance its scope and make it a separate annual event.
Textile Asia 2005 will play a vital role in introducing world's leading textile and garments machinery brands in Pakistan.
The event will generate awareness for the need of having better textile infrastructure in the country through acquisition of modern and latest machinery for producing better quality products and enhance our textile exports besides improving Pakistan's image globally.
The textile sector is the backbone of Pakistan's economy. Over the years, it has grown to cover the full range of the production process for cotton products, from the farming and growing stage up to the garment industry as well as retailing of the finished products. It provides largest employment to the industrial labour force and also earns largest foreign exchange for the country. It is worth noting the importance of the investment in the sector which makes it one of the most modern one in the world with state of the art machinery.
The quality of cotton and cotton related products of Pakistan are unmatched in the international markets. The ever-growing textile industry of the country has shown consistent expansion and stability over the last many years.
The exports of textile and textile products of Pakistan have shown a significant increase in the recent years.
The government has offered various incentives for the industry's up gradation and modernisation in order to remain competitive in the post WTO circumstances. With multiple parallel business communities under one roof, Textile Asia would be visited by trade visitors of various origins and interests thus creating new demands and business partners.
Textile Asia aims to focus on the immense potential of textile machinery, accessories, chemicals and products under one roof. The textile industry of Pakistan is in the midst of industrial up gradation and the businessmen are seeking newer solutions to bring more efficiency in their production systems.
Therefore, the pioneer of grasping this opportunity will be the most successful business organisation in Pakistan as none of the local industry can cater this tall order. National organisations will enjoy the benefit of globalisation and will witness more joint ventures and collaborations between local and international brands.
Textile Asia 2005 Exhibition is being organised at the most opportune time when the government of Pakistan is aiming towards achieving over USD 10 billion of exports of textile products which is not possible unless we adapt the latest machinery and equipment. It is very encouraging to note that investment ranging between USD 4 to 5 billion has been incurred in Pakistan's textile sector during the past three years which has increased both the overall quality and output of the industry and the government anticipates further investments in the sector.
The government is looking forward to establish textile and garment cities to encourage export of value added products and for increasing the production capacity of textile goods to cater to the requirements of the international market. Besides, the Government of Pakistan offers numerous incentives to the local and foreign investors to strengthen the local textile sector.
SOME OF THEM INCLUDE:
-- No restriction on import and export of cotton
-- Duty drawback allowed.
-- Duty concessions on import of Plant, Machinery and Equipment
-- Tariffs have been reduced on import of raw materials to 5% and 10%
-- Zero% import duty on raw materials used in production of exports
-- Bank financing for textile sectors available
-- Enhanced Market access in Europe and the USA through improved preferential agreement negotiated notably with the European Union
-- Access to concessional Rupee loan at 4% for buyers of textile machinery manufactured locally, provided they have a minimum local content of 20%.
OPPORTUNITIES AT TEXTILE ASIA 2004: Privatization and deregulation policies of the government have greatly widened the horizon of investment in the textile industry. Investors have received incentive packages that are second to none in the growing capital markets. Foreign investors have the freedom of investment with respect to tax relieves, 100% ownership and choice.
Pakistan's exports are concentrated in the textiles and clothing sector that contributes about 67% of our total export earnings.
FOLLOWING ARE SOME INDICATIONS OF THE GROWTH OF TEXTILE INDUSTRY IN PAKISTAN:
-- 10% regional annual industry growth
-- 40% annual ISO certification demand growth
-- New market breakthroughs
-- Direct Sales
-- Joint ventures
-- PR & Brand Awareness
-- One of the world's fastest-growing garment & textile market
-- Distribution & agency Agreement
-- Product launch platform
-- Re-export potential
The country is not only a source for over US$6 billion worth of textile and apparel purchases by the world, but it is also rapidly heading towards becoming a market for over US$ 3 billion worth of textile machinery. The most modern machinery is imported free of customs duty. Accessories like buttons and zippers, and even fabric can be imported duty-free.
Textile Asia 2005 will reflect Pakistan's strength and economy's backbone in a way, which will be unique than the conventional ways of doing so. A large number of international trade visitors and delegates are expected to visit Pakistan for availing and exploring business opportunities in the textile industry. A large number of local manufacturers and dealers of textile related products are also expected to attend this mega event from all over Pakistan.
-- A truly international event covering the entire spectrum of textile industry including textile and textile products, machinery, readymade garments and accessories.
-- Most cost effective method of entering into the world's seventh most populous market which is not just lucrative but is also the most cost effective in the entire region.
-- An exhibition that offers you comprehensive services before, during and after the exhibition that minimises your marketing expenditure for maximum benefits that you sought.
-- An exhibition that attracts a large number of local and international trade visitors with huge buying capacity.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND TEXTILES ASIA 2004: The Textiles Asia 2005 would uniquely cater the machinery suppliers and manufacturers, international buyers, trade promotion organisations and institutions, trade associations, sourcing agents, importers, exporters, distributors and accessories suppliers. Representatives from chambers and bodies, private and govt. sector delegates, venture capitalists and business opportunity seekers would find Textiles Asia 2005 equally attractive and rewarding.
A number of textiles associated publications along with a number of satellite channels representatives will also be present at the arena to provide maximum coverage to this mega textile and garment machinery show.
CURTAIN RAISING CEREMONY & PRE-EVENT SEMINARS OF TEXTILE ASIA 2005: The organisers of International Textile Asia 2005 Exhibition conducted a Curtain raising ceremony and a number of pre - event seminars in various cities of Pakistan, which host a considerable part of our entire textile sector. The aim behind these pre - event seminars and the curtain raising ceremonies was to involve all the local stakeholders from the country's textile sector into the event and encourage them to actively participate in this mega textile show of the country.
CURTAIN RAISING CEREMONY, KARACHI: Curtain Raising Ceremony of International Textile Asia 2005 Exhibition took place on February 12, 2005 at Crystal Ballroom, Marriott Hotel, Karachi. The Chief Guest of the ceremony was Honourable Mohammedmian Soomro, Chairman of Senate. Mr Mohammad Adrees, Textile Commissioner of Pakistan; Mr Abid Javed Akbar, former Vice - Chairman Export Promotion Bureau and Mr Sohail Aziz, Executive Director Ecommerce Gateway were among the prominent speakers at the ceremony.
The proceedings started with the holy name of Allah. Mr Kamran Saeed, Executive Director Ecommerce Gateway conducted the proceedings of the ceremony. Mr Sohail Aziz of Ecommerce Gateway enlightened the audience regarding the profile of Ecommerce Gateway which was followed by the details of Textile Asia 2005 Exhibition. Mr Adrees then highlighted the importance of acquiring the latest textile and garment machinery to enhance our textile sector productivity besides manufacturing finest quality textile and garment products. Mr Javed Akbar of EPB put emphasis on how events such as International Textile Asia 2005 Exhibition significantly contribute to the economy of the country in particular play a part in enhancing country's overall exports.
In the end, Honourable Mohammedmian Soomro emphasised on the participants of the ceremony and all the manufacturers of the textile made-ups to actively play their role in the development of the country. He assured colossal support on behalf of the Government of Pakistan and enlightened the audience about the future plans of the government regarding expansion and further development of the textile sector in the country.
A small plaque distribution was conducted after the speeches of the dignitaries which was then followed by an enjoyable banquet at the Curtain Raising Ceremony of International Textile Asia 2005 Exhibition.
Various consul generals, leading textile and garment manufacturers and participating companies of textile Asia, attended the ceremony. An exceptional presence was recorded of personnel from local print and electronic media who attended the curtain raising ceremony of International Textile Asia 2005 Exhibition and featured the proceedings of the ceremony in their news reports and publications.
PRE - EVENT SEMINAR, LAHORE: Pre - Event seminar of International Textile Asia 2005 Exhibition was organised in Lahore after the Curtain Raising Ceremony conducted in Karachi on February 28, 2005 at Emerald Hall, Hotel Pearl Continental, Lahore.
The aim behind this pre - event seminar was to involve the stakeholders of textile sector from Lahore into the event and encourage them to visit International Textile Asia 2005 Exhibition which will host almost all the leading brands of textile and garment machinery.
The Chief Guest of the seminar was Honourable Mushtaq Ali Cheema, Federal Minister for Textile Industry. Mr Mian Misbahur Rehman, President Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Mr Sohail Aziz, Executive Director Ecommerce Gateway were among the prominent speakers at the seminar. The proceedings started with the holy name of Allah. Mr Kamran Saeed, Executive Director Ecommerce Gateway conducted the proceedings of the seminar. Mr Sohail Aziz of Ecommerce Gateway enlightened the audience of Lahore regarding the profile of Ecommerce Gateway which was followed by the details of Textile Asia 2005 Exhibition. Mr Mian Misbahur Rehman then delivered the welcome address and applauded Ecommerce Gateway's initiative of working with the Federal Ministry of Textile Industry to organise such a mega textile and garment machinery show in Pakistan.
The Chief Guest Honourable Mushtaq Ali Cheema highlighted the importance of acquiring the latest textile and garment machinery to enhance our textile sector productivity besides manufacturing finest quality textile and garment products. He also laid emphasis on the participants of the seminar and all the manufacturers of the textile made-ups to actively play their role in the development of the country.
He assured colossal support on behalf of the Government of Pakistan and enlightened the audience about the future plans of the government regarding expansion and further development of the textile sector in the country. A small plaque distribution was also conducted after the speeches of the dignitaries which was then followed by a hi - tea at the pre - event seminar of International Textile Asia 2005 Exhibition in Lahore.
Almost all the major textile and garment made-up producers attended the pre - event seminar of International Textile Asia 2005 Exhibition from Lahore and associated regions. The participants were very pleased to see that the organisers of International Textile Asia 2005 Exhibition have conducted pre - event seminar in Lahore to enlighten the textile manufacturers from that part of the country regarding their initiative towards developed and modernised textile sector.
Media Coverage was also simply remarkable for the pre - event seminar and the leading dailies and local satellite channels provided an excellent media coverage to the event.
INTERNATIONAL TEXTILE FASHION SHOW: Ecommerce Gateway, Singapore in collaboration with the Government of Pakistan and Jang Group of Newspapers is also organising an International Textile Fashion Shows, which is being organised in concurrence with International Textile Asia 2005 Exhibition. Renowned International Designers Bibi Russell and Rizwan Beyg will flaunt their latest spring and summer collections at the International Textile Fashion Show.
The Fashion Show will feature top Pakistani models including Iraj, Vineeza, Zainab Qayyum (ZQ), Suneeta Marshal, Zhalay, Sadaf and many others who will put on the collection of these world-class designers and will demonstrate their immense talent at catwalk in front of the august gathering that would attend the show. Imran Kureishi will direct the proceedings of the show who is among the top choreographers in the country and does not require any introduction.
The International Textile Fashion Show will be organised in conjunction with the International Textile Asia 2005 Exhibition on March 19, 2005 at D.H.A Golf Club. The expected chief guests for the show include Honourable Mushtaq Ali Cheema, Federal Minister for Textile Industry; Honourable Shaikh Rasheed, Federal Minister for Information; Honourable Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan, Governor Sindh and Honourable Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim, Chief Minister Sindh.
The participants will include diplomats, foreign delegates, consul generals, members of international and local business communities and representatives of the participating companies. The seating arena will accommodate 2000 spectators and is strategically classified into three zones Platinum, Gold and Silver.
The objective behind International Textile Fashion Show is to promote trade with fashion and culture. The events will definitely promote soft image of Pakistan and strengthen Pakistan's relationships with the participating countries in International Textile Asia 2005 Exhibition.
There are a number of expectations associated with the International Textile Asia 2005 Exhibition that it will mobilise a number of key initiatives, which will eventually become a component of Textile revolution in Pakistan.