APBUMA seeks government support for Los Angeles textile exhibition

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan met a delegation of the All Pakistan Bedsheets and Upholstery Manufacturers Association (APBUMA) to discuss export marketing, branding, access to international markets, trade financing and challenges faced by small and medium enterprises, according to a statement issued on Friday.

During the meeting, the APBUMA delegation informed the minister about its ongoing efforts to widen the presence of Pakistan’s SMEs in overseas markets through trade promotion activities.

The association said 15 of its member companies are set to take part in the Home Textile Sourcing exhibition, which is scheduled to be held in Los Angeles from July 21 to 23, 2026, through a dedicated Pakistan pavilion.

APBUMA asked the commerce minister for patronage and support for focused business-to-business engagements during the event.

In response, Kamal said Pakistan’s trade and investment officers posted in the United States would assist APBUMA members at the exhibition in an effort to help them build meaningful links with global brands and retailers.

Focus on export promotion

According to the statement, the discussions also covered broader efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s export outreach and improve the international visibility of its textile sector.

The association proposed that internationally recognised exhibition platforms, including Heimtextil, be brought to Pakistan. It said hosting such events in the country would improve Pakistan’s global visibility, draw foreign buyers directly to local manufacturing centres, and generate long-term branding and investment opportunities for the textile industry.

The minister praised the private sector for taking proactive steps, saying international exhibitions and direct interaction with overseas buyers are important for improving country branding and increasing Pakistan’s exports.

He also encouraged the industry to maintain its momentum in order to deepen its presence in existing markets and expand into new ones.

SMEs and market access

The meeting highlighted the role of SMEs in export growth, particularly through participation in international trade fairs and targeted promotional initiatives.

According to the official statement, the issues raised before the minister included export marketing, branding, international market access, trade financing and the difficulties confronting smaller businesses in the sector.

The planned participation of APBUMA members in the Los Angeles exhibition is part of the association’s efforts to support Pakistani companies in reaching international buyers through organised platforms.

The statement said the government-side facilitation discussed in the meeting would be aimed at supporting those companies during the exhibition and helping them pursue commercial collaboration with international retailers and brands.