For decades, USA has been Pakistan's major trade partner. In 2009, USA was the destination of 18.3% of, Pakistan's total exports where textiles & apparels had a major share, In Knitwear. USK is destination of 62% of exports from Pakistan; In Home textile the share in exports is 42%.
The two nation also share geopolitical goals in term of global and regional strategy, which materialized in Pakistan becoming a major ally of USA in the war on terror, Unfortunately, for some time, business ties with USA have been adversely affected due to the decline in visits to Pakistan by our US customers owing to negative travel advisory by foreign Governments and law and order concerns rooted in our strategic alliance with US.
For a long time, the above issue has been our centre of attention and deliberation, until we envisaged the establishment of a sourcing office in the USA which could bridge the distance between our industry and the US buyer.
In order to the facilitate access to our products and industry, the PHMA (Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers Association) is establishing a Sourcing office and display centre of the Association in New York City, which will open a gateway to 1,200 manufacturers and exporters of knitwear and knitted textiles in Pakistan, facilitating a channel of communication and trade between the US buyer and the industry in Pakistan.
The increased activity of PHMA members would translate into increased production activity and creation of further employment in the country.
PHMA New York Office: Scope of Work
The office would market Pakistani product among the US fashion and garments companies. It will also timely update the textile industry in Pakistan about the changing fashions and trends in the West. Main objectives are described as under:
To facilitate a channel of communication and trade between Pakistani exporters and US buyers. 'PHMA office in USA will attend and process inquiries of local buyers and forward the same to Pakistan exporters.
To offer Consultation/information services for local buyers on Pakistani products and suppliers, All local inquiries will be passed on to concerned exporters based on matching criteria.
To provide a platform for one to one live interaction between exporters and US buyers based on matching criteria, through facility of video conference for online interaction between exporters in Pakistan and the foreign buyers.
To enable the private sector to build a positive image of Pakistan in the US market and create' awareness about Pakistan's potential and products.
To provide warehousing facility in order to meet short-term delivery requirements: Today garment buyers are increasingly concerned about cutting inventory costs, hence they look for faster and more frequent deliveries in smaller quantities. Also, they have to consider efficient lead times in face of fast changing trends and fashion; some major retailers in USA now display up to 12 collections a year. A system will be devised, in which "ready to sell" products should be available to the buyer in USA.
PHMA envisages signing MOUs with US importers, which will seek exporters commitment on quality in products and services
To keep communication with US Apparel Trade and Buying Association
To offer operational and secretarial services for members, while members will be able to use the offices for contact purposes
To organize regular events for continuous interaction with local buyers including exhibition of Pakistani products: A Display centre will enable PHMA members to showcase their products where a special events area will enable receptions to encourage business interactions.
The display centre will incorporate the facility of 'Virtual Factory Visits' for visitors, where video profiles of top members will be available,
To support members and US buyers in resolution of disputes and claims, In this regard, the USA offices will seek affiliation with local bodies such as International Chambers of Commerce and local Associations, and Pakistan's Trade offices.
Promotion of Brand Development, and Pak-USA Joint Ventures. Also, to timely update the textile industry about the changing fashions and trends through Market research and dissemination of market information; Compilation of Import data and statistics from local sources; Conducting surveys among local buyers on their perception about Pakistani products, Compile suggestions for improvement of Pakistan's services/products
To organize participation in major local and international exhibitions. Also, setting of information booths at major exhibitions
To enable the services of marketing agents and product development advisers for Pakistani exporters. The making agents will conduct regular visits to the local offices of US retailer and maintain a record of their latest trends, demands, inquiries etc. They will timely update the textile industry about the changing trends.
Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers Association is the premier trade Organization representing the Hosiery and Knitwear Industry accelerating and providing growth in all sectors of the economy, generating immense employment and promoting national self reliance. |
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