AAFA and FLA CEO's Steve Lamar and Jeff Vockrodt addressed their letter to Abbas Mehdi, executive director of Pakistan’s Export Development Fund, citing what they described as the programme’s significant contribution to the country’s textile and garment sector.
Better Work Pakistan, established in 2022, serves as a platform for promoting responsible business operations in the apparel industry. The initiative focuses on compliance with international labour standards and aims to improve factory operations through practical support at the facility level.
The associations said such efforts match the priorities of global buyers, especially as international sourcing priorities increasingly emphasise transparency and adherence to recognised standards.
Both associations stated: “We commend the Government of Pakistan and the Export Development Fund for their support to the pilot phase (2022–2025) of Better Work Pakistan, which has successfully established a credible and trusted model of engagement with industry. The October 2025 Better Work Pakistan Business Forum further demonstrated Pakistan’s commitment to responsible sourcing and was well received by the international business community.”
According to the letter, this support has helped establish a reputable engagement model for the local industry and signalled a willingness to meet international expectations.
The organisations highlighted that ongoing financial backing from the Export Development Fund for a second phase would reinforce Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining high standards, strengthening labour market governance, and positioning itself as a preferred sourcing destination.
They noted that expanded participation could include smaller suppliers, thus strengthening the export sector as a whole.
The letter concluded: “We value Pakistan as a sourcing partner and believe Better Work Pakistan plays an integral role in supporting a stable, transparent, and competitive supply chain ecosystem. We look forward to the next phase of the Better Work Pakistan programme.”
