Fourth largest importer of Brazilian cotton, Pakistan participated in the series of online events aimed at strengthening trade relations between Brazil and the Asian market 

The Pakistani textile industry experienced a chance to learn more about the quality of Brazilian cotton during yet another round of the Cotton Brazil Outlook virtual meeting series. The event took place on February 10th and was organized by the Cotton Brazil initiative, which is led by Abrapa (Brazilian Cotton Growers Association), in partnership with Anea (Brazilian Cotton Shippers Association) and Apex-Brasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency). 

Starting in December 2020, virtual meetings have been held with businesspeople from China, India, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and South Korea, and there are plans for similar exchanges with Indonesia and Thailand. The events connect authorities and specialists from Brazil with local textile leaders who receive valuable information about Brazilian cotton, including its intrinsic characteristics and data about the latest crop. 

After the opening remarks by Abrapa’s Director of International Relations, Marcelo Duarte,  and by Abrapa’s President, Júlio Cézar Busato, Brazil’s ambassador to Islamabad, Olyntho Vieira, underscored the government’s work in fostering friendly relations between the two nations. 

“We encourage both exporters and importers to develop new approaches to this trade relationship. We know that Pakistan has a long tradition in the production of cotton and textile articles. However, the country is now facing some difficulties that we believe can be overcome with the help of Brazilian growers. If we think strategically, we can build long-term partnerships”, Mr. Vieira said. 

One of the largest importers of Brazilian cotton 

Pakistan has traditionally been a strong partner of Brazilian cotton and currently ranks as the world’s fourth largest importer of our lint. In the 2019/2020 crop year the country purchased approximately 220 thousand tons of cotton to meet the local industry’s high demand. 

According to Mr. Adil Bashir, president of the APTMA (All Pakistan Textile Mills Association), Pakistan has experienced some difficulties with its cotton production in the past 30 years. In this sense, the Brazilian product has helped meet the large domestic demand. 

“Brazil has developed a solid base for the global cotton sector in view of the rapid changes unfolding in the market. Macroeconomic and agricultural policies have created safety nets during periods of low prices for commodities such as cotton. Brazilian cotton has a history of success in the last century and Pakistan can learn a lot from its difficulties and victories. This is the result of very hard work”, Mr. Bashir said. 

The webinar also featured presentations by Júlio Cézar Busato, President of Abrapa; Edson Mizoguchi, Abrapa’s Quality Manager; Carlos Moresco, Brazilian cotton grower; Henrique Snitcovski, President of Anea; and Marcelo Duarte, Director of International Relations at Abrapa. 

At the end of the meeting, participants representing the Pakistani textile industry were able to ask questions about Brazilian cotton and export / import processes. 

The Cotton Brazil Outlook – Turkey was held by Abrapa in partnership with Anea and Apex-Brasil, with support from the Brazilian Embassy in Ankara and the Brazilian Consulate in Islamabad. 

About Cotton Brazil 

The Cotton Brazil initiative was launched at the end of 2020 to promote Brazilian cotton in the global market, and is the result of 20 years of constant innovation, research, and investments in industry improvements.  

Led by Abrapa (Brazilian Cotton Growers Association) in partnership with Anea (Brazilian Cotton Shippers Association) and Apex-Brasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency), Cotton Brazil encompasses actions including a physical presence in Asia with the opening of an office in Singapore; a larger digital presence through a website in nine languages ​​and social media efforts; relationship marketing programs; events; market intelligence; buyers and sellers missions; strategic research and partnerships. 

To learn more, visit: www.cottonbrazil.com