PRGMEA, ABIT Sign MOU to Strengthen Pak–Brazil Textile Ties at COP30

By Dr Ansab Ali

Lahore, Pakistan: The Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PRGMEA) and the Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association (ABIT) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the NCI Pavilion in the Blue Zone of COP30, Belém, Brazil, marking a major step toward enhanced cooperation between Pakistan and Brazil in the textile and apparel sector.

The agreement establishes a strategic framework for collaboration in areas including sustainable Brazilian cotton sourcing for Pakistan, expansion of apparel exports to Brazil and global markets, promotion of circularity and sustainability initiatives, advancement of climate-aligned growth strategies, and joint knowledge exchange, innovation, and advocacy under the International Apparel Federation (IAF).

The MOU was signed by ABIT CEO Fernando V. Pimentel and Dr. Muhammad Ayyaz Uddin, Chairman (NZ) PRGMEA, in the presence of international industry experts and climate stakeholders, underscoring its global significance. PRGMEA, attending COP30 as an Observer Organization, is representing Pakistan’s apparel industry at the world’s leading climate platform. The delegation actively contributes to dialogues on decarbonizing Pakistan’s textile sector, expanding renewable energy adoption, integrating biodiesel and biochar, and enhancing circularity and green financing opportunities.

Dr. Muhammad Ayyaz Uddin said the partnership reinforces PRGMEA’s broader effort to build a national climate narrative with government, academia, and industry stakeholders, ensuring Pakistan’s textile sector remains competitive, sustainable, and future-ready.

Ijaz A. Khokhar, Member CM/ZMC & Former Chairman PRGMEA, highlighted that the MOU will facilitate delegation exchanges, deeper collaboration in fashion design, and stronger engagement between Pakistan and Brazil’s textile industries. He added that Pakistan is exploring Brazilian cotton imports to diversify its raw material base and announced plans to invite Brazilian and other IAF delegations to TEXPO 2026, fostering global market connectivity, meaningful partnerships, and industry growth.

The agreement reflects a shared vision of sustainable sourcing, responsible manufacturing, and climate-resilient growth, creating new opportunities for manufacturers, exporters, and the wider textile ecosystem in both countries.