Apparel Online India Magazine April 1st Issue 2019 | Page 54

BEYOND INDIA THE LATEST NEWS HAVE YOUR SAY For the latest news on apparel and textile, make sure that you visit https://apparelresources.com/top-news/ Write to Apparel Resources, B-32, South Extension-1, New Delhi (110049), India or email: [email protected] Uzbekistan apparel and textile sector aims to strengthen its presence in China In its endeavour to bolster its presence in China, the delegation of “Uztextileprom” association participated at the International Exhibition of Textile Fiber, Yarn Expo Spring 2019 in Shanghai, China. The event, which was held from 12 to 14 March, also saw participation from local manufacturers of apparel, textile and knitwear industry all across Uzbekistan. The objective behind the active participation by Uzbekistan in the event was to not only increase export deliveries to south-east Asian countries but also establish direct contacts with potential clients and then finalise contracts with them. Alongside Yarn Expo Spring 2019, there were 4 more events and one of the prominent ones was the Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – a leading exhibition of apparel fabrics and accessories. Besides there were InterTextile Shanghai Home Textiles, the exhibition of knitted clothing and knitwear PH Value as well as the fashion exhibition CHIC. The textile delegation from Uzbekistan participated in all these events and got good response. For foreign suppliers, such events provide an opportunity to enhance trade relations in the region and increase its presence in China. The events also witnessed lots of meetings and negotiations with potential investors wherein there were discussions on strengthening cooperation in garment, textile and knitwear sector. Notably, the trade turnover between the two countries was US $ 6.43 billion in 2018, out of which, US $ 2.86 billion is Uzbek exports and US $ 3.55 billion is imports. Cape Town all set to revive its apparel and textile sector In its endeavour to promote the garment and textile sector, the City of Cape Town intends to commission a clothing, textile and fashion study in the financial year of 2019-20. This was announced by James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Opportunities and Asset Management, City of Cape Town, while visiting the Western Cape Clothing and Textile Service Centre (Clotex) in Athlone. The study will not only help to map out the value chain but also help identify opportunities and intrinsic constraints for the local sector. It is pertinent to note that the City of Cape Town annually funds R670,000 to Clotex, which helps 54 Apparel Online India | enhance the training facilities for its students. Additionally, lots of small and medium enterprises too have been gaining benefit from this funding. Established two decades ago, Clotex is committed to support and encourage the competitiveness of local SMEs in apparel and textile value chain. The City of Cape Town has also been providing funds to the Cape Town Fashion Council, the Cape Clothing and Textile Cluster and the Cape Craft and Design Institute (CCDI), which helps in promoting training, cross-skilling, internships and placements thereby helping in creating jobs and driving economic growth. While substantiating on the revival of the industry, Vos APRIL 1-15, 2019 | www.apparelresources.com averred, “The apparel and textile sector is presently exploring a number of opportunities such as bringing back apparel sourcing locally, away from China, which will create opportunities for the local industry to reclaim its prominence.”