From Pakistan to Paris: Advancing Transparency & Sustainability in the Textile Sector

As part of our ongoing Digital Product Passport Awareness, HREDD Feasibility and Traceability Assessments Project in Pakistan, team leader Thomas Preiss and Anna Mainka, from GOPA Worldwide Consultants' Economic Competitiveness and Partnerships (ECP) team, had the had the honour of attending the OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector in Paris, France in February 2026.

Pakistan’s textile industry is a global player, supplying major brands like Adidas, Nike, Zara, and H&M, and is renowned for its vertically integrated production and state-of-the-art equipment. Yet, challenges remain—especially for SMEs and in advancing women’s participation.

Our project aims to enhance transparency, traceability, and sustainability across the textile supply chain in Pakistan, with a focus on supporting manufacturers and the National Textile University of Pakistan in developing a National Cotton Traceability System.

Key Takeaways From the OECD Forum:

• HREDD, compliance, and sustainability are rapidly evolving priorities for the textile sector and beyond.

• Growing demands from consumer markets and international regulations are driving the need for robust due diligence and certification.

• HREDD touches multiple areas—from environmental and social data management to circularity and waste management—opening up opportunities for consulting and innovation.

• Continuous development of project concepts, activities, and networks is essential to stay ahead.

• Strategic focus on private sector collaboration and women’s economic empowerment is crucial for competitive advantage.

We look forward to leveraging these insights to further strengthen our work in Pakistan and contribute to a more sustainable and transparent global textile industry.