ILO, TMA and PRGMEA sign MoUs to improve workplace practices in the textile and apparel sector and support more competitive, responsible supply chains.

KARACHI, (TW News) – Pakistan’s textile and apparel enterprises will gain stronger support to improve labour standards, strengthen workplace practices, and remain competitive in global supply chains. The International Labour Organization (ILO), in collaboration with the Employers’ Federation of Pakistan (EFP), has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Towel Manufacturers Association (TMA) and the Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) to support sustainable growth across Pakistan’s textile and apparel sector.

The signing ceremony, held at the ILO Office in Karachi, brought together representatives from key textile associations and EFP. The collaboration is supported through the ILO Better Work Programme and the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Formalization and Just Transition projects, which aim to promote responsible business practices and sustainable growth across Pakistan’s export-oriented textile supply chains.

These partner associations represent leading industry actors that place a strong emphasis on labour and social safeguards. They are contributing to Pakistan’s continued access to international markets, including under preferential trade arrangements such as the European Union’s GSP Plus, through the progressive adoption of voluntary compliance measures aligned with evolving international labour, social, and environmental standards.

Geir T. Tonstol, Director of the ILO Country Office for Pakistan, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that economic growth in the textile sector is accompanied by stronger labour standards and responsible business practices. He noted that in today’s global marketplace, compliance with international labour and environmental standards is essential to maintain market access, build buyer confidence, and sustain export growth.

Pakistan’s textile and apparel sector remains the backbone of the national economy, accounting for the majority of exports and providing livelihoods to millions of workers. Under the MoUs, the ILO will work with both associations to implement a joint workplan focused on strengthening enterprise-level compliance with international labour standards, improving occupational safety and health practices, promoting SME formalization, and enhancing productivity through ILO tools.

Through its engagement in Pakistan’s textile supply chains, the ILO is supporting an expanded compliance base among producers and manufacturers, generating knowledge resources and compliance data to inform policy and workplace practices, and providing advisory services and training to enterprises and workers. These efforts aim to improve the quality of employment and promote decent work frameworks, with a strong focus on gender equality, access to opportunities, and strengthened social dialogue.

Representing the Towel industry, Aamir Hasan Lari, Sr. Vice Chairperson of the Towel Manufacturers Association, emphasized that “Pakistan’s textile exporters operate in an increasingly competitive global market, where responsible production and compliance with international labour standards are critical. This collaboration with the ILO will support our member enterprises in strengthening workplace practices, enhancing productivity, and aligning with evolving global expectations.”

Sheikh Shafiq, Chief Coordinator South of PRGMEA, highlighted that resilient supply chains depend on skilled workers, safe working environments, and responsible labour practices, adding that through this partnership, garment manufacturers will be better positioned to improve workplace systems, enhance productivity and quality, and strengthen Pakistan’s standing in international markets.

Majyd Aziz, President of the Employers’ Federation of Pakistan, stressed that “Sustainable industrial growth depends on responsible business practices, strong labour standards, and effective social dialogue. Partnerships such as this are essential for strengthening Pakistan’s competitiveness and positioning the textile sector for future growth.”