Page 9 - InTheLoop(April-June2020)

A Conversation on Pakistan’s Trade industry while sharing their insights and experiences.
Competitiveness Sharing his expert views on the subject, Musadaq
Zulqarnain, Chairman Interloop Limited, highlighted the
Learners’ Republic conducted a significant webinar on challenges faced by the local apparel industry and
‘Boosting Pakistan’s Trade Competitiveness’, focused on the possible actions to reinvent the apparel business. The
evaluation of Pakistan’s current situation with regards to trade panel agreed that while the crises was hurting the entire
and future strategies. supply chain globally, the industries needed to act
proactively by learning from each other’s experiences.
Musadaq Zulqarnain, Chairman Interloop Limited, highlighted Sustainability and adaptability remained the keys to fight
the importance of developing the youth of the country and the crises and retaining the market share in the
suggested that the government should devise a long-term post-COVID world.
trade policy based on enhanced efficiency and performance.
In the backdrop of COVID-19, he appreciated the role of The distinguished panel of speakers included, Han Bekke,
State Bank of Pakistan for introducing “Rozgar Scheme” to President IAF; Wilson Zhu, COO Li & Fung; Joachim
help enterprises in retaining their employees. Hensch, Managing Director, Hugo Boss Textile Industries
& Ijaz A. Khokhar, Chief Coordinator PRGMEA. The session
The Chairperson of the Commonwealth Women was moderated by Mr. Matthijs Crietee, Secretary-General IAF.
Parliamentarians & MNA of the National Assembly of
Pakistan, Hon. Shandana Gulzar Khan; Gonzalo Varela,
Senior Economist World Bank; Shafiq Shahzad, Pakistan’s
Trade and Investment Minister in London; Shamim Rajani,
Founder & COO Gentech Solutions and Dr. Aadil Nakhoda,
Assistant Professor IBA Karachi were the significant panelists
of this discussion.

COVID-19 – Impact on Textile & Apparel Industry

On May 7, 2020, Pegasus Consultancy in collaboration
with the International Federation of Apparels (IAF) and
Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers &
Exporters Association (PRGMEA), organized a webinar on
‘Impact of COVID-19 on Textile & Apparel Industry’. Global
experts deliberated on the effects of COVID-19 on the

Responsible Business Conduct: The Value of Transparency

On Jun 25, 2020, International Finance Corporation in social & environmental initiatives to International Certification
collaboration with the Center for Responsible Business (CERB) Agencies, and through Social Media platforms and company
of Pakistan Business Council, organized a webinar to talk about Website. He touched upon Interloop’s 5-year sustainability
the ‘Responsible Business Conduct; The Value of Transparency’. targets for People, Planet, and Prosperity that are measured and
In the opening remarks, Shabana Khawar, Regional Head of reported as per GRI standards, and talked about sustainability
Operations, IFC talked about the role that the private sectors initiatives that are aligned with and support 9SDGs of UNDP. He
need to play in protecting employees’ wellbeing and the closed by highlighting that responsible business practices and
community in these tough times. She also pointed out that these transparency have enabled Interloop to maintain better
private sectors will be the leading force in economic recovery in relationships with customers & other stakeholders, increased
the near future. Furthermore, she mentioned that responsible employee motivation & engagement, better production & quality
business conduct is the key aspect of effective environmental, of work, and enhanced reputation in the market.
social, and governance standards.
In the closing remarks, Faud Hashmi, President & CEO Pakistan
Humayun Javed Khan, Head of Corporate Communication, Institute of Corporate Governance, appreciated having Interloop
Interloop Limited, presented how Interloop values transparency as one of the members of Pakistan Business Council and
in its business practices and regularly communicates with acknowledged Interloop’s progress and its business model. To
stakeholders. The disclosures are made beyond the statuary add to this, he said that long term sustainable value creation is
requirements for listed companies through Annual & Quarterly the way to go, and in the current situation, it is imperative for all
Financial Reports, Sustainability Report, provision of data about firms to exhibit responsible business conduct.

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