The Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PRGMEA) has announced to hold IAF's 35th World Fashion Convention from November 11 to 13, 2019 in Lahore in collaboration with the International Apparel Federation (IAF).
Chief Coordinator PRGMEA Ijaz Khokhar announced this while addressing the press conference along with IAF Secretary General Mattthijs Crietee on the second day of TEXPO 2019. Khokhar termed the convention as the biggest achievement towards pulling the country out of economic crisis through boosting exports of value added textile products amidst GSP Plus Status to Pakistan.
Speaking on the occasion IAF Secretary General Mattthijs Crietee said that theme of the conference is "Let's Grow together for a More Prosperous and Sustainable Future". He also said that IAF Convention offers a unique opportunity to visit and discover a very important apparel production country. It enables participants to efficiently meet business partners at a high level event in a safe environment.
IAF convention will therefore be a major international event, bringing together some of the best and biggest companies making up Pakistan's strong apparel industry, including many world class manufacturers. He further said that new technology is changing the industry, but often it only works if several players in the supply chain are collaborating to implement the technology. In this Convention, brands, retailers and manufacturers from the fashion industry are gathering in a country that is one of the world's main suppliers of garments to discuss in detail how we can all collaborate to build the most competitive supply chains.
Earlier, while talking to Business Recorder Chief Coordinator PRGMEA Ijaz Khokhar who is also the IAF Executive Board member said that mega convention provides an opportunity to its participants to discuss issues being faced by the global industry. "In the upcoming world class convention, we would have a detailed presentation on Pakistan and apparel industry for creating awareness about the potential of Pakistan as production hub of textile items especially garments," he said.
He also said that convention is being held at a time when world population is set to cross the next billion. Provision of clothing to the burgeoning population in sustainable manner is going to be a huge challenge. More so, adoption of new materials, technologies and catering to consumers demands would be another challenge in post Fourth Industrial Revolution era.
He further said that government has assured full support for convening this event in Pakistan. He said Advisor to Prime Minister on Commerce and Industry has also welcomed holding of this event, assuring full support and cooperation in this regard.