Islamabad, February 26, 2025 – The Embassy of Sweden in Islamabad and Business Sweden, in collaboration with Swedish global brands IKEA, H&M, and Atlas Copco, successfully hosted a high-level Policy Dialogue on Green Energy and Energy Efficiency in Pakistan’s Textile Sector. The event brought together key government officials, industry leaders, and sustainability experts to discuss solutions for transitioning Pakistan’s textile sector toward a greener, more competitive future.
The dialogue focused on promoting renewable energy integration, addressing policy and regulatory challenges, and enhancing the sector’s global competitiveness through sustainable business models.
The event was graced by the presence of
- Mr. Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Federal Minister for Power Division, Minister of Energy (Chief Guest)
- Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (Guest of Honour)
- Mr. Jawad Paul, Secretary of Commerce (Guest of Honour)
In his keynote address, Mr. Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari highlighted the government’s commitment to clean energy solutions: “Pakistan’s textile industry is the backbone of our economy, and ensuring its sustainability is critical for long-term growth. We recognize that renewable energy is no longer an option but a necessity. The government is committed to working with industry leaders and international partners to facilitate a smoother transition towards green energy adoption in the textile sector.” The discussion explored how Offsite Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) can facilitate the procurement of renewable energy, enhancing energy affordability and security. The dialogue also emphasized the need for legislative and regulatory reforms to promote energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and meet evolving global standards, particularly those required by EU environmental due diligence laws. Sweden has long been a global leader in sustainability, and its commitment to supporting Pakistan’s green transition was reaffirmed by the Ambassador of Sweden to Pakistan H.E Alexandra Berg von Linde, as she said: “Sustainability is at the heart of Sweden’s business philosophy. Through the Sustainable Textile Platform, we are advancing partnerships that not only benefit the environment but also ensure Pakistan’s textile industry remains competitive in the global market. This platform serves as a bridge between Swedish expertise and Pakistan’s ambitious sustainability goals, creating opportunities for green growth and economic resilience.” The Sustainable Textile Platform, launched by the Embassy of Sweden and Business Sweden, aims to consolidate and coordinate sustainability efforts in Pakistan’s textile sector, aligning them with Sweden’s cutting-edge green technologies and best practices. The platform seeks to create long-term solutions for sustainable textile production.
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Mr. Emil Akander, Vice President Business Sweden, emphasized the role of Swedish companies in driving the green transition:
“Swedish companies have decades of experience in energy efficiency and renewable technologies, and we are keen to share that expertise with our partners in Pakistan. The textile sector has a unique opportunity to lead Pakistan’s green transition by embracing innovative solutions such as circular economy models, energy-efficient manufacturing, and climate-smart technologies. This will not only help Pakistani textile producers meet global sustainability demands but also strengthen their long-term competitiveness in international markets.”
The event featured insightful discussions on the challenges and opportunities of scaling renewable energy solutions such as solar, wind, and hydropower projects, with particular attention to the financing mechanisms needed to support industrial decarbonization. The dialogue also underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing Pakistan’s sustainability agenda.
This policy dialogue marks an important step in encouraging a greener future for Pakistan’s textile sector, with continued engagement planned to advance the shared vision of sustainability and economic resilience.
