ISLAMABAD: A policy dialogue event Wednesday brought together key government officials, industry leaders and sustainability experts to discuss innovative solutions for transitioning Pakistan`s textile sector towards a more sustainable and competitive future.

The event was organised by the Embassy of Sweden in Islamabad and Business Sweden, a not-for-profit, strategy consultancy, in collaboration with leading Swedish brands.

Titled, `Promoting Renewable Energy in Textile Sector`, the dialogue focused on integrating renewable energy, addressing policy and regulatory challenges, and improving the sector`s global standing through sustainable business models.

Speaking as chief guest, Federal Minister for Power Division and Engery Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari reaffirmed the government`s commitment to clean energy adoption in the textile sector, emphasising its importance for long-term economic growth.

`Pakistan`s textile industry is the backbone of our economy and ensuring its sustainability is critical for long-term growth. 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 smooth transition toward green energy adoption,` he stated.

Discussions centred on how offsite Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) could enable industries to procure renewable energy more efficiently, improving affordability and security.

The dialogue also emphasised the need for legislative and regulatory reforms to promote energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and meet evolving global environmental standards, especially those mandated by EU regulations.

Sweden, known for its leadership in sustainability, reiterated its support for Pakistan`s green transition.

Swedish Ambassador to Pakistan, Alexandra Berg von Linde, highlighted Sweden`s commitment to strengthening Pakistan`s textile industry through the Sustainable Textile Platform, an initiative launched by the Embassy of Sweden and Business Sweden.

`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,` said the ambassador.

The platform aligned Pakistan`s textile sector with Sweden`s cutting-edge green technologies, creating long-term sustainable solutions.

Emil Akander, who is Vice President of Business Sweden, emphasised the role of Swedish firms in Pakistan`s green transition.

`Swedish companies have decades of experience in energy efficiency and renewable technologies. We are eager to share our expertise with Pakistan`s partners.

The textile sector has a unique opportunity to lead the green transition by adopting circular economy models, energy-efficient manufacturing and climate-smart technologies,` he said.

The event also featured discussions on scaling renewable energy solutions, particularly solar, wind and hydropower projects and explored financing mechanisms for industrial decarbonisation.

The importance of public-private partnerships in advancing Pakistan`s sustainability agenda was a key takeaway from the session.