FAISALABAD — Korea International Cooperation Agency has launched the construction of the Pak-Korea Technical Textile Centre at National Textile University in Faisalabad, aiming to support Pakistan’s transition toward high-value technical and industrial textiles.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held on May 14, marks a new phase of cooperation between Pakistan and South Korea in textile innovation, research and industrial development. The project is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s textile sector by promoting advanced manufacturing, research and workforce training in technical textiles.
Pakistan’s textile industry remains one of the country’s largest export sectors, contributing more than half of national exports. However, increasing global competition in conventional textile products has pushed policymakers and industry stakeholders to focus on higher-value industrial and technical textile production.
Centre to support research and industrial innovation
The Pak-Korea Technical Textile Centre project is being funded through South Korea’s official development assistance programme.
According to KOICA, the facility will include a two-story complex featuring a laboratory block equipped for composite non-woven fabric manufacturing systems, along with academic facilities including lecture rooms and a library.
The centre is also expected to support joint research and development projects, policy recommendations for Pakistan’s textile industry and training programmes for professionals working in the sector.
KOICA previously supported the National Textile University through an earlier project phase between 2013 and 2017, which focused on providing textile manufacturing equipment.
Pakistan and South Korea expand textile cooperation
Officials from both countries described the project as an important step in strengthening long-term industrial and educational cooperation.
Rector of the National Textile University, Rashid Masood, said the project would help improve Pakistan’s research and development capacity while supporting the training of skilled professionals in technical textiles.
KOICA Pakistan Country Director Je Ho Yeon said the centre is expected to become a hub for technological innovation and textile collaboration between Pakistan and South Korea.
The ceremony also included a contractor safety pledge and the distribution of safety equipment for the construction phase of the project.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration aimed at promoting industrial modernization and innovation in Pakistan’s textile sector.
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