LAHORE, Oct 19: The biggest-ever delegation of the Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (Prgmea) left here on Thursday for Shanghai to take part in the SIGMA 2006 Shanghai International Garment Machinery and Accessories fair being held in Shanghai from Oct 20-23.

Prgmea Chairman Ijaz A. Khokhar said the delegation would explore the possibility of imports of China’s high quality low cost garments machinery and accessories for the garments manufacturing units. “Prgmea will also consider importing machines for its technical training institutes in Karachi and Lahore and for R&D activities as well.

The delegation will also exchange textile industry information and measures of joint growth and development on mutual cooperation and complementation of business communities of both the countries,” he said.

“Since competition in the clothing manufacturing is inevitable, both China and Pakistan will avail the opportunity to take the advantage of each other’s strength and work together to jointly develop a big name in the world clothing sector,” he said.

The Prgmea chief also referred to the holding of 2nd Asian apparel round table conference as well being held in India where he will participate. Mr Khokhar had already floated a proposal that the meeting of the round table conference should take place on a bi-annual basis for the first two-three years, and the first bi-annual meeting should take place in Pakistan after the 2nd Asian apparel round table conference.