Pakistani exporters have successfully secured $3 billion in export orders at the world’s largest textile trade fair, Heimtextil, held in Frankfurt, Germany.
This achievement was announced by Imran Mehmood, Central Chairman of the All Pakistan Bed-sheets & Upholstery Manufacturers Association (APBUMA), who emphasized the event’s pivotal role in driving the growth of Pakistan‘s textile sector.
Highlighting the significance of Heimtextil, Mehmood noted that the Faisalabad textile sector’s year-round operations are directly tied to the orders secured during this global exhibition. He also referred to the government’s ambitious target to raise the country’s export volume from $30 billion to $100 billion over the next five years, stressing that such targets can only be met through a conducive business environment and immediate incentives, especially for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
“SMEs are the growth engine of our economy, and we need to provide them with low-interest loans to help them manage rising costs of electricity, gas, and yarn,” Mehmood stated. He further proposed that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and APBUMA should be entrusted with overseeing loan disbursements to ensure the effective utilization of funds, particularly to help SMEs increase their capacity and employ more workers.
Key facts
- $3 billion in export orders secured
- Over 275 Pakistani exhibitors
- 2,200+ professionals from Pakistan attended
- Pakistan’s largest-ever participation at Heimtextil
- 64 small businesses featured in Pakistan’s national pavilion
- Strategic marketing support from Messe Frankfurt to access new global markets
Heimtextil 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark event for Pakistan, signaling the nation’s expanding footprint in the global textile industry.
Pakistan’s Textile industry shines at Heimtextil 2025
In a breakthrough year for Pakistan’s textile industry, the country saw record participation at Heimtextil 2025, held from January 14-17, 2025.
With over 270 exhibitors, this is Pakistan’s largest-ever participation, showcasing the country’s exceptional textile expertise and potential to compete in the global market. The participation marked a significant 10% increase compared to last year.
Messe Frankfurt in Pakistan, in collaboration with the German Embassy in Islamabad and the German Consulate in Karachi, secured exclusive visa appointments for 400 participants. More than 2,200 Pakistani professionals, including over 1,000 visitors and 1,200 support staff, attended the event, underscoring the growing global demand for Pakistani textile products.
Messe Frankfurt’s representative in Pakistan, Omar Salahuddin, expressed optimism about the event’s impact. “This year, the exhibition features a record 275 exhibitors from Pakistan,” he said. “With larger stalls and better, more strategic locations for our exhibitors, we expect to see a significant boost in Pakistan’s export potential.” Messe Frankfurt is one of the world’s largest trade fair and event organizer.
Pakistan was the fourth-largest exhibiting nation at the event, with its national pavilion, organized by the Ministry of Commerce, hosting 64 small businesses—further demonstrating the growing role of Pakistani textiles on the global stage.
“Heimtextil is crucial for Pakistan’s home textile exports,” said Shafaat Ahmad Kaleem, Pakistan’s Consul General in Frankfurt. He mentioned that this year’s record participation is anticipated to lead to a substantial rise in exports. He also noted that the business meetings between Pakistani exporters and global buyers under the ‘Thread Connect’ initiative will further reinforce these connections. The strong demand for Pakistani textile products highlights the country’s growing importance in the global textile market, he added.
Pakistani exhibitors presented a wide range of home textile products, including towels, bed linen, and apparel. In addition to promoting these products, Messe Frankfurt has provided marketing support to help Pakistani companies reach new global markets.
Exporters are optimistic about the potential for growth, especially as the European Union’s sustainability regulations come into effect between 2025 and 2030. According to industry sources, approximately 30% of Pakistan’s textile sector currently meets international sustainability standards, but this figure will need to double by 2030 to remain competitive in the global marketplace.
Heimtextil 2025
Heimtextil 2025 concluded with record-breaking participation and high satisfaction ratings. The event attracted over 50,000 buyers from 142 countries, with more than 3,000 exhibitors showcasing the latest in home and contract textiles, interior design solutions, and textile innovations.
With 96% of exhibitors from abroad, Heimtextil strengthened its position as the global leader in textile design, with key countries such as China, India, Turkey, Germany, and Italy among the top exhibitors. Visitor internationality rose to 84%, with notable growth from markets including Argentina, France, Japan, Canada, and the U.S.
We started the first major gathering of 2025 at Heimtextil and left with inspiring moments!
— Weavers (@Weavers_Fabrics) January 27, 2025
We were delighted to share our latest, innovative collections and sustainable fabrics with you.
A heartfelt thank you to all our guests who visited our booth.#Weavers #upholstery… pic.twitter.com/xudOqOOgpn
Heimtextil’s diverse product offerings covered categories like Bed, Bath & Living, Smart Bedding, Window and Interior Decoration, Carpets & Rugs, and Textile Design.
Heimtextil key facts and figures
- Over 50,000 trade visitors from 142 countries
- 3,000+ exhibitors from 96 countries
- Top 10 visitor countries: Germany, China, Italy, Turkey, US, Pakistan, India, UK, Netherlands, and Spain
- Heimtextil 2025 welcomed more than 60,000 expected trade visitors.
Heimtextil 2026 will take place from January 13-16.