United Nations Industrial Development Organisation - UNIDO is implementing a cluster development project in Lahore garments cluster in Pakistan. It has been working closely with several garment SME's to benchmark their production & quality standards to global level. It has achieved stuendous success in this regard. As a next step in way forward, UNIDO in support with Trade Development Athourity of Pakistan ( TDAP ), has organised a 12 member garment trade delegation to Italy ( Milan ) from 25 to 31 May 2008.

The purpose of the mission is :

• Visit Moda Prima fair
• Match making with chain stores, brands and major buyers.
• Match making with garment machinery suppliers
• Visit a production house for bench marking purposes of the production batches.
• Sourcing of fabrics from Italy.

An Export Marketing Tour to Milan Italy is being conducted under UNIDO-TDAP Cluster and Network Development Initiative for Lahore Woven Garments Cluster, Pakistan.

Partners collaborating are Lahore Garments Consortium (LGC), Lahore Fashion Apparel Network (LFAN), Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP).

The study tour is designed not only to benchmark the production processes but also to conduct buyer-seller meetings.

Lahore Garments Consortium (LGC) is the first ever network developed in Pakistan using UNIDO cluster development methodology, which was followed by another one called Lahore Fashion Apparel Network (LFAN).

Both networks have been enjoying the benefits of networking and trust building.
Lahore Garments Consortium (LGC) representing 8 manufacturers and exporter of woven garments is enjoying the benefits of networking and trust building, established joint website, jointly participated in international and local exhibitions, purchased material jointly and have diversified from EU to USA markets due to the consortium.

Lahore Fashion Apparel Network (LFAN) representing 5 member manufacturers and exporter so woven garments have also passed through a similar process, getting the benefits of joint purchases, in-house skill development, hired one consultant for ISO and WRAP certifications jointly in addition to sharing of information on supply and demand sides.

This tour is designed according to the demands and needs of the networks. The delegation will include representatives of UNIDO, LGC, LFAN and TDAP in addition to the team of international consultant.

The exercise would be helpful in building the capacity of the manufacturers of the cluster on supply side, processes and demand side in addition to the exploration of a new market. It would also help to do a matchmaking of the supply side with the demand side with an expectation to generate orders for the manufacturers and exporter representing LGC and LFAN. It will also help in developing the links with the suppliers of raw material, machinery providers and buyers in the Italian market.