Garment, textile machinery, accessories: expo opens in Lahore

LAHORE: Pakistan's largest garment, textile machinery and accessories exhibition kicked off in Lahore on Thursday, welcoming over 550 companies from 30 nations. Punjab Minister for Industries and Commerce, Chaudhry Shafay Hussain, officially launched the four-day event at the Expo Centre in Johar Town, describing it as the most significant of its kind in the country. Spanning until October 18, the exhibition will showcase more than 550 exhibitors from 30 countries.

Upon the exhibition's opening, Hussain proceeded to visit several booths, closely examining the displayed products. He was accompanied by Saleem Khan Tanoli, CEO of Fact Exhibitions (Pvt.) Ltd, and congratulated the organizers for the successful event. In conversation with reporters, Hussain highlighted the pivotal role such exhibitions play in stimulating business activity and fostering B2B relationships. He emphasized the vital importance of the textile sector to Pakistan's national economy and job generation.

Hussain commended the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, for taking tangible measures to bolster the sector, including the construction of a cutting-edge Garment City in Quaid-e-Azam Business Park, Sheikhupura. He mentioned ongoing efforts with China to enhance cotton seed development to increase cotton production.

Moreover, Hussain disclosed that investment agreements with multiple Chinese firms have been signed during his recent China visits, six of which have already commenced implementation.

Regarding Punjab's industrial landscape, Hussain unveiled that several two-wheeler electric vehicle manufacturing units have been established in the province, with additional plants anticipated. Additionally, factories for lithium battery production are under development. Addressing a query, Hussain suggested that hydropower projects, each generating 20 megawatts, could be constructed along Punjab's canals, potentially contributing to reduced electricity costs.

He further elaborated that the provincial government is contemplating the establishment of small-scale hydropower projects along the canals.

On the current security scenario in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Hussain asserted that the deteriorating law and order situation necessitated emergency measures. He criticized a single-party rule in the province for years, alleging that the preceding administration had primarily focused on plundering public resources, pointing out that commissions were often extracted from development projects, thereby undermining infrastructure work.