ILO expands support for Pakistan’s textile and apparel sector

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s textile and apparel enterprises are set to receive broader support from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) aimed at raising labour standards, improving workplace practices and helping firms stay competitive in global supply chains.

The support framework has been formalised through memorandums of understanding signed by the ILO, in collaboration with the Employers’ Federation of Pakistan (EFP), with the Towel Manufacturers Association (TMA) and the Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA).

According to an ILO press release issued in Islamabad on Wednesday, the collaboration is intended to encourage sustainable growth across Pakistan’s textile and apparel industry, particularly in export-oriented segments.

Under its ongoing engagement with Pakistan’s textile supply chains, the ILO is working to widen the compliance base among producers and manufacturers. The organisation is also developing knowledge resources and compliance-related data to help shape policy and workplace practices.

In addition, the ILO is providing advisory services and training for both enterprises and workers as part of the initiative. The stated objective is to improve the quality of employment and advance decent work frameworks across the sector.

Focus on workplace standards and inclusion

The ILO said these efforts place particular emphasis on gender equality, access to opportunities and stronger social dialogue. The initiative is designed to support better working conditions while also helping businesses align with international expectations in supply chains.

The collaboration is being backed through the ILO Better Work Programme as well as the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Formalisation and Just Transition projects.

According to the press release, these programmes are aimed at promoting responsible business practices and supporting sustainable growth in Pakistan’s export-oriented textile supply chains.

The agreements with TMA and PRGMEA bring key industry bodies into the effort, linking employers’ organisations and sector associations with the ILO’s labour standards and enterprise support work.

The announcement underscores continued engagement between international labour institutions and Pakistan’s textile industry at a time when compliance, workplace conditions and competitiveness remain important for participation in global markets.

The ILO said the initiative would support producers and manufacturers through a combination of compliance expansion, policy-relevant data, advisory assistance and worker-focused training, while promoting decent work and more inclusive employment practices across the textile and apparel sector.