IGATEX Pakistan Celebrates 23 Years of Driving Innovation in South Asia’s Textile Industry
Karachi, Pakistan – IGATEX PAKISTAN, the largest and most established International Garment, Textile Machinery and Accessories Exhibition & Conference in South Asia, proudly marks its 23rd anniversary this year. The event continues to serve as a pivotal platform for fostering trade relations and showcasing cutting-edge advancements within the textile sector.
IGATEX PAKISTAN has earned a strong reputation for excellence, providing a professionally enriching experience for textile machinery manufacturers. It offers a unique opportunity to connect with quality buyers and key decision-makers in an increasingly competitive global market. The exhibition’s success is clearly demonstrated by its impressive visitor numbers, attracting participation from 500 top-tier national and international companies representing 30 countries. This year, IGATEX PAKISTAN anticipates drawing over 11,000 visitors, solidifying its position as an essential event for professionals across the textile and garment industry.
Pakistan’s textile industry plays a vital role in the nation’s economy, significantly contributing to its growth and development. As the fourth-largest producer of cotton globally and the ninth-largest exporter of textile goods, Pakistan’s textile sector holds immense importance. The industry encompasses the entire value chain, from cotton production and processing to the manufacturing of finished products, including fabrics, made-ups, and apparel.
The textile industry is a cornerstone of employment in Pakistan, providing jobs for approximately 40% of the industrial workforce, and supporting livelihoods for a significant portion of the population. Furthermore, the sector contributes nearly one-fourth of the industrial value-added products and accounts for roughly 60% of national exports.
The scale of Pakistan’s textile industry is evident in its infrastructure, which includes 13.41 million spindles, 198,801 rotors, 375,000 power looms, and 28,500 shuttle-less looms. As of June 2021, the industry comprised 517 textile units, including 40 composite units and 477 spinning units. Yarn production has seen consistent growth, with approximately 3.441 billion Kgs produced in FY 2020-21.
The global textile market, estimated at $1 trillion in 2020, is projected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2027, demonstrating a CAGR of 4.3% from 2020 to 2027. Pakistan’s complete textile value chain distinguishes it from many competitors. Major cities like Lahore, Faisalabad, and Karachi serve as key hubs, boasting a robust infrastructure with spinning units, weaving facilities, dyeing and finishing plants, and stitching machines. The country’s extensive yarn production capacity, including filament and synthetic fibers, further strengthens its textile industry.
Pakistan’s textile exports have followed a positive trajectory, fueling overall export growth. In the first quarter of FY2018, textile exports increased by 7.91%, contributing to a rise in overall exports from $4.7 billion to $5.2 billion. This growth trend continued, with textile exports reaching a record high of $19.33 billion in the fiscal year 2021/2022. During this period, textile exports contributed approximately 61% of the country’s total exports, underscoring its vital role in international trade. The presence of prominent international brands such as H&M, Levi’s, Nike, and Adidas, which operate in Pakistan and collaborate with local textile mills, highlights the industry’s global recognition and extensive market reach.
With its abundant cotton resources, robust infrastructure, and increasing international presence, Pakistan’s textile industry is poised for continued growth and will remain a crucial driver of the country’s economic development and global competitiveness.
The 9th International Chemical and Dyes Exhibition and Conference – ICADEX Pakistan – will also be held alongside IGATEX.
Event Organizer
Fakt Exhibitions (Pvt.) Ltd., a leading exhibitions and conferences organizing company in Pakistan, specializes in industrial and corporate trade shows, with a portfolio of over 20 industrial exhibitions. The company is dedicated to organizing events that unlock the potential of trade in bolstering the economy.
