Islamabad, December 13, 2019 (PPI-OT): Export oriented Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) face the challenge of design and product development in Pakistan due to human and financial resource constraints. In order to build the capacity of the Readymade Garments cluster SMEs in terms of design, product development and market intelligence, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC) in close collaboration with Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) have established Apparel Design and Research Centre (ADRC) in Lahore.

ADRC will serve the readymade garment cluster through an array of customized services including, collection preparation, range development, training and development, market intelligence, exhibition support and international collaboration. UNIDO has also engaged MODINT, the Dutch fashion association, as international partner for the ADRC. ADRC will act as a catalyst to transform local garment industry to the next levels of original design and brand producers.

UNIDO’s international experts, Ms. Leontine Wagenaar and Ms. Sinette Hesselink, visited Lahore, Pakistan from 4th – 14th November 2019. In addition to the soft launching of ADRC, the experts carried out trainings of ADRC staff and developed service portfolio of the centre. The experts also participated in the 35th International Apparel Federation (IAF) Convention as panel speakers and members of the jury for 1st ever sustainable fashion competition in Pakistan on behalf of CDI Project and UNIDO.

ADRC has been introduced at the IAF convention to the local industry as well as to the foreign delegates who have attended the IAF convention. The local and foreign companies have shown keen interest in the ADRC services. ADRC has been established under the Cluster Development Initiative (CDI) Project jointly implemented by PSIC and UNIDO under the framework of the Punjab Jobs and Competitiveness Programme.

For more information, contact:
National Information Officer
United Nations Information Centre (UNIC)
Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-8355720
Cell: +92-300-8553790
Email: ishrat.rizvi@unic.org