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LAHORE, Nov 30 (APP): Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) Chief Executive Officer Mian Kashif Ashfaq has said that fashion industries generate billions in export revenues for countries which excel in branding, craftsmanship and trend-setting.
He was addressing the Ist International Design Conference 2025 with a theme of ‘Fashion and Global Trade’ organised by Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design (PIFD) here Sunday.
Mian Kashif said, design and fashion spur economic growth, strengthen national branding, and enable countries to integrate more effectively into global value chains.
He said, sustainability has further increased the importance of thoughtful design, asserting that eco-friendly materials, circular fashion concepts, and minimal-waste production are becoming essential components of international trade standards. Italy, France and China have proved that strong design eco-systems can elevate their global market share. For emerging economies, he said, investment in design education, digital tools, and creative talent opens doors to high-value exports and new trade opportunities,he added.
PFC chief said, design and fashion play a pivotal role in shaping global trade by driving innovation, value-addition and cultural exchange. In today’s interconnected world, people are no longer satisfied with basic functionality; they seek products which reflect identity, aesthetics and lifestyle aspirations. This demand pushes industries – from textiles and apparel to furniture, accessories and even technology – to adopt creative design philosophy that enhances product appeal and competitiveness in international markets, he added.With e-commerce accelerating global reach, well-designed products travel faster across markets, capturing new consumer segments.
Earlier in her welcome address, PIFD Vice Chancellor Prof Hina Tayyaba Khalil said that today’s conference brings together thinkers and practitioners who understand that fashion is more than creativity – it is a global business eco-system. From supply chain networks and international sourcing to sustainability mandates, digital retail, export competitiveness and cross cultural design exchange, fashion operates at the intersection of innovation, economics and diplomacy. “As Pakistan continues to strengthen its footprint in global textile and apparel markets, the conversation we initiate here today carry exceptional relevance and strategic importance. “At PIFD, we believe that preparing next generation of designers requires an understanding not only of aesthetics and craftsmanship but also of global market dynamics, trade regulations, engineering technologies and the powerful role of design in shaping economic value. This conference allows us to learn from global leaders, foster new partnerships and reflect on how institutions like ours can contribute meaningfully to Pakistan’s role in the international creative economy,” she concluded.