Chinese Cotton Giant Seeks Collaborative Opportunities with Pakistan
Published on: December 7, 2023.
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China Looks to Collaborate with Pakistan to Boost Cotton Industry
In a recent interview, Ms. Zhang Yan, the interim CEO of WinnerMedical, expressed the company’s interest in collaborating with leading cotton-producing countries, such as Pakistan, to strengthen China’s cotton industry. Winner Group, a prominent Chinese cotton product manufacturer, aims to expand its trade network globally and contribute to the national “Belt and Road” initiative.
Pakistan, the world’s fifth-largest cotton producer and third-largest consumer, faces challenges in its cotton sector, including the need for research and development of high-quality cotton varieties and innovative manufacturing approaches. The entry of foreign investment, particularly from Chinese enterprises, could potentially revolutionize the country’s cotton industry.
Despite witnessing an 81% increase in cotton harvest this year, Pakistan still struggles to meet the growing demands of its textile industry and resorts to importing cotton bales. Adverse weather conditions and the prevalence of cotton pests, such as the whitefly, are significant factors contributing to the decline in yield.
To overcome these challenges, Pakistan can learn from the successful collaborations between Chinese enterprises and academic institutions. Winner Group subsidiary, Purcotton, is partnering with Huazhong Agricultural University’s National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement to establish a Cotton Research Institute. This institute focuses on developing and cultivating improved cotton varieties, with a current emphasis on the exclusive “Purcotton 1”.
For Pakistan, increasing cotton exports, especially cotton products like yarn, is crucial for expanding foreign exchange reserves and preventing national bankruptcy. Shifting from raw material exports to cotton product exports and improving the cotton manufacturing chain can significantly enhance Pakistan’s economic standing.
Zhang Yan highlighted the importance of collaboration and learning from outstanding partners in the industry’s development. Winner Group attributes its success to the assistance of internationally renowned enterprises and advocates for similar cooperation within the framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Winner Medical, through its brands “Winner Medical” and “Purcotton,” has made significant innovations in the cotton industry. The introduction of the all-cotton water-punched non-woven fabric technology in 2005 saved energy consumption, increased land economic efficiency, and contributed to economic and social value. To date, they have procured 250,000 tons of cotton and significantly boosted cotton cultivation in Xinjiang. The sale of their all-cotton clothing, bedding, and towels not only reduced pollution from synthetic fiber processing but also had positive ecological effects, transforming deserts into oases.
By initiating comprehensive cooperation between China and Pakistan in cotton planting and production, there is an opportunity to increase cotton yields in Pakistan and boost foreign exchange through cotton product exports.
