Pakistan-Korea partnership in technical textile sector

(By Zafar Chishti, Bureau Chief Punjab Pakistan) FAISALABAD:

Ten doctoral scholars from Pakistan’s National Textile University (NTU) are currently undergoing intensive training in the Republic of Korea under a landmark capacity-building program aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s technical textiles sector.The two-week training, running from August 17 to 30, 2026, is being conducted under the KOICA Official Development Assistance (ODA) project titled “Strengthening of PAK-KOREA Technical Textile Center,” with technical support from the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH).
The program represents a significant step forward in Pakistan-Korea cooperation, preparing NTU’s next generation of researchers to contribute to cutting-edge R&D activities at the upcoming PAK-KOREA Technical Textile Center, scheduled for completion in 2027.
Hands-on Training at World-Class Facilities
Since commencing the program with an orientation on August 18, the Pakistani scholars have been engaged in a comprehensive blend of theoretical instruction and practical training utilizing KITECH’s state-of-the-art research and pilot-production facilities.
The training curriculum encompasses major nonwoven manufacturing processes, equipping participants with hands-on experience in nonwoven filter performance testing and chemical analysis of textile materials. Researchers are gaining exposure to the complete production cycle from understanding manufacturing principles and operating equipment to production, testing, and analysis.
On August 21, participants visited Preview in Seoul (PIS) 2026 at COEX, one of Asia’s premier textile exhibitions, where they explored advanced textile materials and technologies showcased by Korean and international companies.Building a Sustainable Textile Ecosystem
The 2026 program marks the final invitational training initiative under the KOICA project, following the first training program for Pakistani policymakers in 2024 and the second for NTU faculty members in 2025. Over three years, the project has progressively expanded its capacity-building scope from policy stakeholders to university faculty and graduate researchers.
Earlier this year, the project developed a Pakistan Technical Textiles Policy Proposal, providing strategic direction and policy support for advancing the country’s technical textile sector.The academic training will conclude with a completion ceremony today (August 28), followed by a Korean cultural experience on August 29.Building on policy and capacity-development achievements, NTU and KITECH will continue collaboration through joint R&D activities during the remaining project period. Plans are underway for training programs targeting industry professionals in Pakistan and technical seminars to disseminate knowledge and outcomes generated through the project.
With continued KOICA support and technical cooperation between NTU and KITECH, the project is expected to evolve from policy development and human-capacity building toward practical research collaboration and broader technology dissemination, further strengthening Pakistan-Korea partnership in the technical textile sector.