Usman Ahmed assumes PSMA leadership; calls for greater competitiveness, innovation, sustainability and value-added exports

By Gul Nasreen

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The 59th Annual General Meeting, followed by the Annual Dinner 2026, of the Pakistan Soap Manufacturers Association (PSMA) was held at the Marriott Hotel, Karachi, in which Mohammad Yunus Ibrahim, Consul General of Malaysia, was the chief guest, while Dr Ahmad Syofian serves as the Consul for Economic Affairs at the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Karachi, attended as the guest of honour. 

Besides the diplomats, the event was largely attended by prominent representatives of the soap, FMCG, oleochemicals, fragrance and allied industries from across Pakistan. Usman Ahmed, CEO and Managing Director of Gamalux Group, the newly elected chairman of the PSMA for the 2026-2028 term, warmly welcomed the guests and members of the Association. 

He acknowledged the services of the outgoing office-bearers and expressed his appreciation for the confidence reposed in the newly elected leadership. In his address, he highlighted the important role of Pakistan's soap industry in meeting the country's essential hygiene requirements and contributing to manufacturing activity, employment, trade and government revenues. 

He emphasized that soap was not a luxury product, but an essential daily-use commodity directly linked with personal hygiene, public health and sanitation. He noted that the industry was currently operating in a challenging economic environment, facing pressures from international prices of essential raw materials, exchange-rate movements, energy and utility costs, financing requirements, taxation and regulatory compliance. 

He particularly highlighted Pakistan's dependence on imported palm-based and fatty raw materials and stressed on the need for a rational and competitive tariff structure for essential raw materials which are not sufficiently available locally. 

Usman Ahmed observed that the industry's objective should not merely be protection from competition, but the creation of an environment in which Pakistani manufacturers can become more competitive, efficient and capable of serving consumers with quality products at reasonable prices. He also called for a level playing field between compliant manufacturers and businesses operating outside the formal regulatory framework. 

He spoke about the importance of addressing smuggling, under-invoicing and the availability of substandard products while ensuring that legitimate trade and manufacturing remain facilitated. Looking ahead to his two-year tenure, the chairman outlined a broader vision for PSMA based on five key priorities, competitiveness, quality, sustainability, innovation and exports. 

He was of the opinion that Pakistan's soap industry must increasingly focus on modern manufacturing technologies, productivity, energy efficiency, quality standards, research and development and development of skilled human resources. He further elaborated that sustainability and responsible manufacturing should become an integral part of the industry's future, including responsible sourcing, efficient use of energy and water, improved waste management and environmentally responsible production practices. 

The PSMA chairman brought to light the need for Pakistan to move beyond dependence on imported raw materials and develop greater value addition and export-oriented manufacturing. He said that the country's large domestic market, established manufacturing base and access to international raw-material supply chains provide opportunities for the development of higher-value soap, hygiene, oleochemical and allied products for regional and international markets. 

Referring to Pakistan's relations with Malaysia and Indonesia, Usman Ahmed observed that both countries remained important partners in the region's palm-based and oleochemical supply chains. He expressed the hope that cooperation could be expanded beyond conventional trade towards stable supply chains, technology transfer, investment, joint ventures, sustainable sourcing and value-added manufacturing. 

He declared that the PSMA would seek to strengthen structured engagement between industry and government and promote evidence-based policy recommendations for the development of Pakistan's manufacturing sector. 

Addressing the gathering, Consul for Economic Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Dr Ahmad Syofian highlighted the longstanding brotherly relations between Pakistan and Indonesia and the strong people-to-people and diplomatic ties between the two countries. He noted the importance of palm-based raw materials, including palm stearin and other palm-derived materials, for the soap manufacturing industry and expressed the importance of further strengthening economic and commercial cooperation between Pakistan and Indonesia. 

The chief guest of the evening, Yunus Ibrahim, Consul General of Malaysia, appreciated the invitation extended by PSMA and highlighted the longstanding and growing economic relationship between Pakistan and Malaysia. He expressed his country's interest in exploring further opportunities for trade and investment and emphasized the potential for greater cooperation between Malaysian suppliers and Pakistani manufacturers. 

He also noted the opportunities for strengthening trade in palm-based raw materials and other products required by Pakistan's manufacturing sector. He was confident that the existing trade relationship between the two countries would continue to expand, and that greater business-to-business cooperation would create new opportunities for both Malaysian and Pakistani enterprises. 

Abdullah Zaki, the newly elected Senior Vice Chairman of PSMA, thanked the outgoing chairman,  Asif Iqbal Paracha, and the outgoing office bearers for their valuable efforts, contributions and achievements during their tenure. He appreciated their services to the Association and the soap industry and expressed his gratitude to all PSMA members for their participation and presence at the AGM. He conveyed his commitment to working together with the newly elected office bearers and members for the continued progress and development of the Association. 

At the conclusion of the event, Vice Chairman PSMA, Tariq Zakaria congratulated Usman Ahmed and the newly elected office-bearers and presented a vote of thanks to the distinguished guests, sponsors and members of PSMA who attended the event from different parts of Pakistan. The newly elected office-bearers reiterated their commitment to working collectively for the development of Pakistan's soap industry, strengthening industry–government coordination and promoting a competitive, sustainable and export-oriented manufacturing sector.