Pakistan was in for a surprise at the Heimtextil fair in Germany this year, after it saw a drop in the overall orders by 50 per cent.
Pakistan, which happens to be the fourth largest exhibitor at the fair, received almost half the number of orders at the fair this year compared to last year.
This year, around 220 Pakistani exhibitors took part under the Trade and Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) umbrella at the Pakistan pavilion.
“Pakistani exporters have seen a massive drop in international orders lately, due to the energy crisis and the slowdown of global economy. One of the main reasons of receiving fewer orders has been the exporters’ inability to dispatch consignments in time due to energy shortages,” Abdulla Kamal, CEO, Ayesha Textile Mills said.
He added further, “Despite the advantages of having cheap labour and producing better cotton, the exporters’ expectations could not be met due to the energy and worsening law and order situation. Even the old buyers have stopped visiting Pakistan due to which we have to fix meetings abroad.”
At the Heimtextil fair, India and Bangladesh got a far better response compared to Pakistan, he added.
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The ongoing economic slowdown that is stagnating Europe’s economy and affecting several countries across the globe has kept the buyers away from the exhibition.
Kamal mentioned, Europe is passing through a low-growth phase and international buyers are moving away from Pakistani market due to delay in shipments.
The law and order situation and severing of gas supply by the government during the peak textile season in the country are also acting as stumbling blocks for Pakistan in grabbing new orders.
Kamal said, “The recent terrorist attacks on schools and colleges have dented Pakistan’s reputation internationally. Buyers are frightened to even come visit us, let alone give orders.
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