50 News Shaped 2017

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TOP 50 NEWS 2017

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C2M, the new model replacing supply chains

The Customer to Manufactory (C2M) business model is replacing the traditional supply chain. End-customer needs can be delivered to manufacturers by just a few swipes and clicks, through which the manufacturer not only saves cost but also obtains immediate market information. C2M is a model with one end connected to the customer and the other to the manufacturer. All links in between, like inventory, logistics, sales and distribution, can be omitted to save unnecessary cost so that customers can buy high quality goods at lower prices. The model aims to connect different production processes through the internet and utilize the computer system for immediate data exchange.... Read more

Underpaid workers, the dark underbelly of fast fashion

"Consumers are tempted to buy trendy clothes the moment they are on shelves. But they don’t realise the stark reality, the pain with which the clothes are being manufactured. Fast fashion retailers in order to beat one another bring out newer collections frequently and this has been hampering not just the ecological system but also human labour adversely. Recently while shopping at Zara, customers from Istanbul found something unusual in the garments, which were tagged with messages from the factory workers saying, ‘I made this item you are going to buy, but I didn’t get paid for it.’ This is just one of instances showcasing their plight." ... Read more

Brexit Affect: UK textile industry under threat

"Employing over 556,000 people, the UK textile industry is going to be impacted by Brexit. British manufacturers create products worth £9 billion a year, from Savile Row suits to highly technical fabrics used in sectors such as aerospace, the medical and the military. Falling value of Sterling has increased import prices of yarn and thread by 12 per cent since the EU referendum, while finished clothes are around 15 per cent more expensive to import than they were last summer." Employing over 556,000 people, the UK textile industry is going to be impacted by Brexit. British manufacturers create products worth £9 billion a ... Read more

Fast fashion production processes damaging environment: Study

"A new investigation report has found fast fashion majors such as H&M, Zara and Marks & Spencer are buying material produced in factories that devastate peoples’ health in Indonesia, China and India. Toxic run-off from the manufacture of viscose, a supposedly environmentally friendly fibre used to make clothes, is contaminating water supplies and has been linked to increased risk of cancer. Viscose is a plant-based fibre which means it is sometimes promoted as an ethical choice for consumers." A new investigation report has found fast fashion majors such as H&M, Zara and Marks & Spencer are buying material produ... Read more

Overconsumption of fashion a global phenomenon: Greenpeace Survey

A recent survey states overconsumption of fashion has become an international phenomenon. More than half consumers in Europe and Asia are buying more clothes than they need and use. Despite having sufficient clothing, the younger generation is shopping for fulfilment and encouragement by social media and the ease of online shopping. Compulsive fashion shoppers regularly overspend on new clothes in spite of not being able to use them, with post-shopping excitement often turning into guilt after less than a day, says a study commissioned by Greenpeace in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Italy and Germany from December 2016 to March 2017. The survey was carried out amongst 1,000 p... Read more

Denim jeans’ global popularity continues to rise

"The global market for denim jeans is expected to touch $79.2 billion by 2022, driven by the expanding urban population, an increase in white-collar employees, changing perceptions about ‘executive wear’ and the resulting acceptance of jeans as business casual attire for men and growing base of women in the workforce." The global market for denim jeans is expected to touch $79.2 billion by 2022, driven by the expanding urban population, an increase in white-collar employees, changing perceptions about ‘executive wear’ and the resulting acceptance of jeans as business casual attire for men and growing base of w... Read more

India, Japan collaborate in textiles and clothing sector, looking to better trad…

"India’s textile and clothing industry is looking to push up exports to Japan. And in line with this the government is looking to help the Indian textile trade and industry for better understanding of quality culture in Japan. The aim is to meet Japanese quality standards in order to boost exports. The Indian government signing a MoU with Japan Textile Products Quality and Technology Centre (QTEC) to establish and encourage both quality compliance activities jointly and organize collaborative ‘Industry Capacity Building Programme’." India’s textile and clothing industry is looking to push up exports to Japan. And in line ... Read more

Brexit to impact Cambodia garment exports

"Brexit is going to have an adverse impact on Cambodia’s garment export sector, the International Labor Organization (ILO) has warned. Though new duty-free access to the US will ease pressure on exporters for some time, Cambodia’s recent rise to lower-middle income status could also add to its challenges in a few years. International Labor Organization wage specialist Malte Luebker said, “Exports continued their strong growth over the first half of last year, up 10.8 per cent year-over-year to $3.5 billion." Brexit is going to have an adverse impact on Cambodia’s garment export sector, the International Labor ... Read more

Vietnam and EU to finalise EVFTA next year

Deputy minister of industry and trade Tran Quoc Khanh, disclosed Vietnam and the European Union (EU) are working towards finalising legal and language-related issues in the EU-Vietnam free trade agreement (EVFTA), before the official signing and ratification of the trade deal next year. At a workshop on the EVFTA held by the French Business Federation (MEDEF) and the Asia Centre in Paris, Khanh stressed on the common goals of the two sides to implement the agreement, after signing the deal and said that his government is looking at a specific plan to carry out the agreement. The chief of the negotiation delegation of the EVFTA Raffaele Mauro Petriccione assessed the appr... Read more

Indonesia fast emerging top global textile exporter

"With textile and apparel export volume of close to $12 billion and a workforce of almost two million people, the Indonesian garment and textile industry has been raising the bar in global textiles market. The Indonesian government has set a target of increasing the nation’s value of textiles exports to $75 billion by 2030. With this, Indonesia’s textile and apparel products would have 5 per cent share in the global market." With textile and apparel export volume of close to $12 billion and a workforce of almost two million people, the Indonesian garment and textile industry has been raising the bar in global textiles mar... Read more

C&A setting exemplary leadership in circular economy

"C&A, the global Dutch chain of retail clothing stores, recently launched a line of T-shirts certified by the Cradle to Cradle standard. This essentially implies they are designed and manufactured in an eco-friendly way and whose materials can be recirculated safely back into industrial materials or composted into the soil. For the company, it was no cake walk. It required a board-level commitment, close partnerships with contract manufacturers, an arduous search for replacements for problematic materials and some new messaging to customers." C&A, the global Dutch chain of retail clothing stores, recently launched a line of T... Read more

Impact of Trump’s Presidency on US textile industry

"President Donald Trump has vowed to impose tariff of up to 45 per cent on goods from China, slash US corporate tax rate to 15 from 35 per cent and reshape the workforce by bolstering manufacturing sector and imposing stricter immigration rules. These dramatic shifts could have far-reaching and unforeseeable consequences in the global order)." President Donald Trump has vowed to impose tariff of up to 45 per cent on goods from China, slash US corporate tax rate to 15 from 35 per cent and reshape the workforce by bolstering manufacturing sector and imposing stricter immigration rules. These dramatic shifts could have far-reaching and ... Read more

China textile industry de-couples itself from water use

A new research from China has claimed that the country has been partly successful in de-coupling the growth of its textile industry from increases in water consumption and discharge. The researchers claim this is due to the better use of technology and water saving methods and stronger environmental laws in China. The researchers found that the water footprint of China's textile industry strongly decoupled from the growth of its textile industry for five years (2002, 2006, 2008, 2011, and 2013) and weakly decoupled for four years (2002, 2007, 2009, and 2010) over the period 2001-2014. The researchers calculated changes in blue water (water consumption), grey water (wate... Read more

US out of TPP, Australia, New Zealand to pursue 'TPP 12 minus one'

"President Trump took first step towards implementing his economic agenda --- signing an executive action removing the US from a free trade deal Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). This was one of Trump’s core campaign promises. The accord negotiated by the Bush and Obama administrations has been held. The Obama Administration had pushed for the 12-country regional free trade agreement, arguing it was a vital national security priority to compete with a rising China." President Trump took first step towards implementing his economic agenda --- signing an executive action removing the US from a free trade deal Trans-Pacific Partner... Read more

Nearshoring, could that be answer to the revival of US textile manufacturing

"The US imports $82 billion more in clothes than it exports, mainly from Asian nations like China, Vietnam and Bangladesh and closer home from Mexico, Honduras and El Salvador. In 1995, US apparel imports was $36.8 billion but, by 2015, the country’s dependence on imports had reached new heights and the figure more than doubled to touch $87.9 billion. Worsening the growing gap, apparel exports actually fell by $300 million during the 20-year period, achieving the relatively humble figure of $6.1 billion." The US imports $82 billion more in clothes than it exports, mainly from Asian nations like China, Vietnam and Bangladesh and... Read more

It’s a wage war between foreign nationals and working-class Americans

"US President Trump’s ‘Make US great again’ has had significant impact on the average hourly wages of garment workers, with their wages getting a spiked 2.9 per cent from the same period last year. Owing to this, unemployment rate dropped to an 18-year low at about 4.1 per cent. Mark Zandi, Chief Economist, Moody’s Analytics, says the job market is very tight and getting tighter. Businesses are struggling to hire or hang onto people so they have no choice but to raise wages. These are people who are very skilled. It’s very difficult to hold onto those workers. The industry also has a high percentage of foreign born workers. " ... Read more

Bangladesh RMG aims to reach its target $50 billion mark by 2021

Set by the garment industry of Bangladesh in 2014, the slogan to reach ‘Fifty by Twenty One’ has gained momentum. In December 2016, at a seminar organised by BGMEA titled ‘Taking Bangladesh Apparel Sector Forward’, the state minister for foreign affairs Shahriar Alam had shared this statement. Last fiscal, from July 2015 to June 2016, the country’s garments exports touched $28.09 billion whereas in the calendar year ending in December 2016, exports were $28.67 billion. To reach the target of $50 billion in 2021, the export rate needs to grow at a 12.25 per cent cumulative rate. Past growth rates have been in double digit... Read more

Sourcing approach – a ‘powerful lever’ to drive consumer benefit

"The ‘2017 Global Sourcing Reference’ report from Kurt Salmon highlights as sourcing costs rise, retailers are being urged to reinvent their operating models to add value in their supply chains. Fast fashion entails retailers and brands to react equally as quickly to meet the demand of consumers, which has resulted in stiff competition. In order to beat one another, brands are introducing more lines per year at lower costs. The report further emphasises speedy production cycles are having a negative impact on the entire supply chain, with fashion brands and retailers struggling to keep up." The ‘2017 Global Sourcing Reference&r... Read more

Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics spring edition to return on March 14

"Global apparel fabrics and accessories industry is looking forward to its key spring summit from March 14 to 16, 2018. It is one of the biggest trade platform where the entire sector gathers to do business, discover latest fashion trends, find new innovations and discuss what’s in store for the year ahead. The 2017 spring fair was the most international yet, with over 71,000 trade buyers from 103 countries and regions doing business with more than 3,300 exhibitors from 26 countries and regions." Global apparel fabrics and accessories industry is looking forward to its key spring summit from March 14 to 16, 2018. It is one of t... Read more

Low price, a serious concern for Bangladesh clothing manufacturers

Bangladesh clothing manufacturers are facing tough times demanding fair price for clothing supplied by them. Additionally, they are in tremendous pressure from global buyers to improve conditions at workplace, after the Rana Plaza building collapse in 2013. Local apparel makers say, over $1 billion has been invested so far to renovate and retrofit their factories as per the demand of Western buyers, retailers and brands. Yet, retailers and brands have not increased the price. Buyers are still paying the traditional low prices for products and earning huge profits. A shirt costing $3 or $5 is being sold between $25 and $30. The same is the case with ... Read more

Ethiopia targets $30 billion exports in textiles and garments by 2025

Ethiopia is aiming to generate $30 billion from export of garment and textile by the year 2025. This is an ambitious target for a country whose shipments are only $115million now. This is the first time Ethiopia, spelled out its vision in such detail. However, it is not the first time for the government to look to the textile and clothing supply chain as one of the country’s key targets for growth. According to Arekbe Oqubay, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister, the plan will transform Ethiopia to a compelling new sourcing hub for brands, retailers and their suppliers. Oqubay further explains by 2025 the company wishes to make Ethiopia the leading apparel and tex... Read more

Is China losing its textile touch?

"China is the number one textile and clothing exporter to the world, producing more than 43.1per cent of global demand. As per the 13th five-year plan of Chinese Government for the year 2016 to 2020 period, China strategically is moving towards more value adding tech intensive products. The plan is to maintain traditional market share and to grow more on the high value adding product range. But real market data shows that the country is losing its export market drastically from 2015 in almost all product sectors in the textiles and clothing arena." China is the number one textile and clothing exporter to the world, producing more tha... Read more

UKFT becomes Sector Skills Body for the fashion and textile trade

The UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT) has announced it has become the Sector Skills Body for the Fashion & Textiles industry. UKFT has taken over the management of current apprenticeship framework and also the responsibility of both registration and certification of apprentices in England, Scotland and Wales. The Association will work with devolved nation’s stakeholders to ensure that National Occupational Standards and apprenticeship provision for the sector are maintained and developed. The announcement came as UKFT, Damian Collins MP and Graduate Fashion Week hosted key policy makers, industry influencers, major retailers, leading brands and UK man... Read more

Bangladesh needs stringent labour laws for RMG sector

"After the Rana Plaza garment factory collapse three years ago, it was presumed that the country would be rolling in stricter measures to ensure safety and security of its employees. Yet, recent data is quite startling. A research identified 3,367 women and girls in the survey areas who reported being employed in the apparel industry. Of them, 3 per cent were between the ages of ten and 13, and 11 per cent were 14-17 years old. Of the 861 girls below the age of 18 who were engaged in any kind of work, 28 per cent said they worked in the garment industry." After the Rana Plaza garment factory collapse three years ago, it was presumed ... Read more

Wazir Textile Index reflects stagnation in textile & apparel exports in FY17

"In order to assess the overall financial performance of Indian textile sector on a continuous basis, Wazir Advisors has developed the Wazir Textile Index (WTI). This index gives the collective performance of select top 10 listed textile companies (by sales) of 2015-16 as the base/benchmark, represented by the base Index number 100. The base is taken for each quarters and full financial year performance of the companies in 2015-16. " In order to assess the overall financial performance of Indian textile sector on a continuous basis, Wazir Advisors has developed the Wazir Textile Index (WTI). This index gives the collective performanc... Read more

Sri Lanka: To enhance exports, raw material production needs boost

"Considered an alternative to Indian garment industry, Sri Lankan apparel industry has seen tough times of late. However, it still accounts for over 46 per cent of Sri Lanka’s total exports and generates the highest industrial employment opportunities to over 300,000 directly and 600,000 indirectly, which includes a significant number of women. Gauging the importance of the industry, the government has developed research, innovation and design. The sector also maintains high ethical standards and is highly praised for its compliance and labour rights practicing than any other competitive countries." Considered an alternative to... Read more

Chinese companies automating factories to boost efficiency

"With China’s labour cost increasing, the country is shifting focus on automation to make factories more efficient. For instance, Chenfeng Group, a leading contractor for Uniqlo operated by Japan's Fast Retailing, recently set up a production line using a hanger system in a corner of its huge garment factory in Changzhou, Northwest, Shanghai. The factory makes 1.3 million shirts a month. This new system allows shirts to be assembled on a single hanger that moves around the production line, guided by circular rail suspended from the ceiling. The hanger stops in front of a worker, who attaches a part to the shirt or performs a task. " With China&r... Read more

The world’s most supportive govt initiatives for textiles empowerment

"Textile industry is an integral part of the global economy and the quality of life for citizens. Knowing the crucial impact it has on economy, it makes perfect sense for the government to offer the most lucrative policies towards its growth. Government initiatives are an excellent way to revitalise textile manufacturing, create jobs, promote the purchase and support of domestic textile and apparel products, and protect the livelihood and stability of the industry and economy." Textile industry is an integral part of the global economy and the quality of life for citizens. Knowing the crucial impact it has on economy, it makes perfec... Read more

Proposed changes in NAFTA to adversely impact LA apparel units

"The proposed changes in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), has resulted in companies planning to shift their manufacturing base away from Los Angeles. As Mateo Juarez, GM, United Jeans says, in Los Angeles County, the minimum wage for businesses with more than 26 employees rises to $12 an hour from July 1, from the current $10.50 an hour. Nobody wants to pay this minimum wage as it is adding to additional cost of an already higher production price that keeps going up in California with new laws and regulations." The proposed changes in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), has resulted in companies planning ... Read more

Is China the biggest benefactor of AGOA?

"African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), signed into law by the Clinton administration in 2000, was designed to provide African manufacturers tariff-free access to the US market to bolster trade. Indeed the legislation proved a dynamic employment vehicle in signatory countries, creating as many as 350,000 direct jobs by removing tariffs on some 6,500 products including vehicles, garments and metalwork. The Obama administration signed a 10-year extension to the Act in a move welcomed by African governments and manufacturing associations." African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), signed into law by the Clinton administration in 20... Read more

‘Jute Smart’: Integrated platform for B-Twill sacking procurement launched

"The textiles minister Smriti Zubin Irani unveiled ‘Jute-Smart’ an online portal to facilitate purchase of jute bags from the industry by state procurement agencies, on ‘Good Governance Day’. The launch also included Dashboard for Integrated Skill Development Scheme hosted on the NIC Cloud with access to public; and Bunkar Mitra – a Helpline for handholding of handloom weavers." The textiles minister Smriti Zubin Irani unveiled ‘Jute-Smart’ an online portal to facilitate purchase of jute bags from the industry by state procurement agencies, on ‘Good Governance Day’. The launch als... Read more

Euratex to focus on circular economy in textile & apparel manufacturing

"Euratex General Assembly conference on Circular Economy in textile & apparel manufacturing held on June 8 was attended by about 100 delegates. Four committed companies and Grzegorz Radziejewski from the cabinet of the Commission Vice President Katainen discussed the opportunities and challenges confronting the sector. Drawing conclusions, Euratex called for collaboration to prosper and showcase art in the circular economy." Euratex General Assembly conference on Circular Economy in textile & apparel manufacturing held on June 8 was attended by about 100 delegates. Four committed companies and Grzegorz Radziejewski from the c... Read more

China needs to push its domestic designing capabilities to build its brand

"While the ‘Made in China’ tag is ubiquitous in almost all products today, there are hardly any products with the tag ‘Designed in China’. While China is known as the factory of the world, there is no focus on producing its own creations. Many flourishing designers and prestigious design schools are thus waiting to tap this opportunity. It’s a strange irony that needs attention from the Chinese companies. In fact, nearly half of all the world’s luxury goods — almost 46 per cent — are bought by Chinese shoppers." While the ‘Made in China’ tag is ubiquitous in almost all produ... Read more

Bangladesh: RMG exports to the world sees steady rise

"Bangladesh's RMG exports to the global market rose by over 9 per cent to over $26 billion from Jan-Nov 2016. This growth rate is not sufficient to attain the $50 billion export target by 2021 as the sector needs over 12 per cent growth to realise the vision. Experts attributed remediation process, which helped improve safety standards-to the increased production capacity. Upon completion of remediation, some RMG units have received more orders from buyers who were satisfied with the safety progress, they argued." Bangladesh's RMG exports to the global market rose by over 9 per cent to over $26 billion from Jan-Nov 2016. This growth ... Read more

Environmental and social compliance to boost RMG industry in Bangladesh

A research by New Danish has estimated that industry-wide environmental and social compliance in Bangladeshi readymade garment (RMG) industry would cost $2-3 billion. This work was undertaken as a part of the Bangladesh Priorities project in collaboration with Copenhagen Consensus Center and BRAC Research and Evaluation Department. Carried out by a team of Bangladeshi economists led by Wasel Bin Shadat, Lecturer at the University of Manchester. They examined investments that will improve Bangladesh's RMG sector. Ensuring that companies comply with safety regulations is important not only for worker safety, but also to increase opportunities to export. The researchers cla... Read more

Global clothing firms taking the first few green steps

"Fashion cycles change faster than one can imagine. From just a few collections a year, fast-fashion brands such as Zara now offer more than 20, while Sweden’s H&M manages up to 16. It’s a big shift from days when there were only 3-4 collections a year. While this has gone down well with fashion police but it’s impacting the environment in a major way. McKinsey estimates, from pesticides in cotton fields to denim washes, making 1kg of fabric generates 23 kg of greenhouse gases on an average." Fashion cycles change faster than one can imagine. From just a few collections a year, fast-fashion brands such as Zara n... Read more

India maintains top position in Global Organic Textile Standard

"India continued to maintain top position in a row with 1,488 GOTS certified facilities. GOTS is also a part of the QCI-UNFSS India National Platform on Private Sustainability Standards, launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Commerce. GOTS representative in India Sumit Gupta is a member of the textile subcommittee in this platform. Interest in GOTS certified organic textile products is on the rise in India both among consumers and industry. India also recorded a rise in the number of brands and stores selling GOTS certified textiles." India continued to maintain top position in a row with 1,488 GOTS certified facilities. GOTS is also a... Read more

Trump Wall: Mexico to levy ‘mirror’ tariffs on US fabric, apparel imports

"With speculation about the US President Trump imposing 20 per cent or other duty on Mexican imports, Mexico could slap ‘mirror’ tariffs against US fabric and apparel imports. This move is slated to negatively impact cross-border manufacturers and retailers. Analysts say for the US to come out with any other compensation treaty to avoid any trade deal damages." With speculation about the US President Trump imposing 20 per cent or other duty on Mexican imports, Mexico could slap ‘mirror’ tariffs against US fabric and apparel imports. This move is slated to negatively impact cross-border manufacturers and retail... Read more

Human rights, labour rights coalition urge brands for transparency

More apparel and footwear companies should join 17 leading apparel brands that have aligned with an important new transparency pledge, a coalition of unions and human rights and labor rights advocates said. The pledge commits companies to publish information that will enable advocates, workers, and consumers to find out where their products are made. The 40-page report, ‘Follow the Thread: The Need for Supply Chain Transparency in the Garment and Footwear Industry,’ came just ahead of the fourth anniversary of the Rana Plaza building collapse disaster in Bangladesh. More apparel and footwear companies should join 17 leadi... Read more

C&A Foundation with Fashion for Good transforming apparel industry

"C&A Foundation, with Fashion for Good, made an industry-wide call for collaboration to transform the apparel industry at a gathering of innovators, sustainability and fashion thought leaders today in Amsterdam. Created with an initial grant from founding partner C&A, Fashion for Good is a global initiative that brings the industry players together to reimagine how fashion is designed, made, used and reused." C&A Foundation, with Fashion for Good, made an industry-wide call for collaboration to transform the apparel industry at a gathering of innovators, sustainability and fashion thought leaders today in Amsterdam. Creat... Read more

India’s textile sector needs to modernise to scale up capacities

"The Indian textile industry must move from being a low cost commodity exporter of fibre and yarn that has facilitated China to increase its share in global export market to 39 per cent. The country needs to be a net exporter of finished goods rather than commodity intermediaries to overcome its share of 5 per cent in the global export market. The industry needs to modernise and scale up capacities that would overcome the low manufacturing inefficiencies and be globally competitive." The Indian textile industry must move from being a low cost commodity exporter of fibre and yarn that has facilitated China to increase its share in glo... Read more

Inkjet technology making inroads in textile industry

"Deploying inkjet technology into the textile industry is presenting an increasingly compelling opportunity for the print industry, recent research from Smithers Pira reveals this. Double digit growth across 2016-21 is making digital textile printing one of the most exciting market opportunity in the print and textile supply. It is creating new value-adding business opportunities for fabric printers and material suppliers, as the capabilities of the latest generation of digital textile presses dovetails with evolving priorities for end users, like fashion designers." Deploying inkjet technology into the textile industry is presenting... Read more

Turkey targets touching $50 billion in textiles exports by 2023

As the Turkish textile industry participates in international trade fairs and events and monitors fashion trends worldwide, the country can deliver latest trends to consumers. This has helped Turkey’s textile and apparel exports record $30 bn annually, of which $7.5 bn accounts for Merter, a District in Istanbul known for its ready-to- wear textiles. Data from the Merter Industrialists’ and Businessmen’s Association (MESIAD) chairman Yusuf Gecü, reveals all medium and large textile and apparel manufacturers in Turkey have a store or showroom in Merter. There are 10,000 stores in the region and the number of people directly employed in these stores h... Read more

US, China locked in dispute

The US refuses to recognize China as a market economy. China's exports to the United States in the first three quarters increased 18.7 per cent over the same period of 2016, and China’s trade surplus with the United States in the first 10 months expanded 7.3 per cent to reach $225 billion. The robust growth in China’s exports to the United States and the appreciable trade surplus could be a catalyst for the US to maintain a tough stance on China. Such behavior is reminiscent of the domestic laws of certain WTO members in the Cold War era, and the refusal would put trade ties with China at risk. On the other hand, China has established and continuously improve... Read more

India, Egypt keen to enhance bilateral cooperation in textile sector

Egypt’s minister of trade and industry Tarek Kabil sees tremendous potential to enhance bilateral cooperation with India in textile, leather and automobile sector. He said this at a meeting with Tamil Nadu's Minister of Rural Industries P Benjamin who led the Indian delegation that participated in the recently concluded MACTECH Fair at the Cairo International Convention Centre. India is Egypt's 10th largest export hub and the 10th largest import source. Hence, Egypt is keen to enhance economic cooperation with India in the SME sector. India's Ambassador to Egypt Sanjay Bhattacharyya disclosed both the sides discussed the possibilities of technology and investment c... Read more

Sweden expand trade ties with India

Sweden plans to strengthen bilateral trade with India. Trade between the two countries is somewhat skewed at the moment with India largely importing raw material from Sweden and exporting value-added products. India is Sweden’s 19th largest export market and the third largest trade partner after China and Japan in Asia. The main Swedish exports to India are pharmaceuticals, paper and pulp products, chemicals, engineering products and telecom equipment. The main items of Indian exports are chemical products, food products, and semi manufactured and manufactured goods. India wants to increase food exports to Sweden. And Sweden is ready to provide the technology and k... Read more

Qatar Airways Cargo to boost Myanmar’s garment exports

Qatar Airways Cargo has commenced direct freighter service to Yangon, Myanmar and has been providing over 60 tonnes of cargo capacity on the Doha-Yangon- Doha route. The airways acting chief officer, cargo, Guillaume Halleux, since the country’s liberalisation, Myanmar has had the fastest- growing economy in the ASEAN region and foreign investment in local trade has seen tremendous growth. Qatar Airways is the first international airline to serve this emerging market with scheduled freighter service. Ready-made garments are the country’s main exports destined largely for Europe and the US through a seamless stopover at the cargo carrier’s state-of- the-... Read more

EU to soon accord GSP status to Sri Lanka

Marking a significant turning point for the country’s industrial and export sectors, Sri Lanka will soon receive Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status of the European Union (EU). This was disclosed by President Maithripala Sirisena. The GSP+ trade concessions are linked to the country’s compliance with human rights and labour rights conventions. On the topic, Sirisena said that agreements with the countries, businessmen, investors and international organisations of the EU are very open. The current government is honestly committed to the development of the country. He was speaking at a ceremony to inaugurate the newly built bridge in Halloluwa... Read more

Western brands write to Bangladesh PM to curtail labour unrest

More than 20 leading international apparel brands have written to Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to express concern about the recent labour unrest in Ashulia and particularly the detention of union leaders. Those among the signatories are H&M, C&A, Esprit, Gapm Next, VF Corp, Primark, Inditex and Li&Fung. The letter urges the Bangladeshi government to adopt a wage board for the garment sector and suggests that the local increased cost of living is contributing to unrest among garment workers. The letter requests the government to take steps to ensure the protection of workers' rights and pays special attention to the representatives of the workers ... Read more

Dhaka requests Trump admin to give it free access to US market

Dhaka renewed its request to the Trump administration to consider ‘Duty Free Quota Free’ (DFQF) access to the US market. The said was made by Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States, Mohammad Ziauddin during a meeting with US Republican Senator Roger Wicker in Washington. Also present at the meeting were Lai, senior legislative assistant of the congressman and Toufique Hasan, Minister (Political) of the Embassy. The Ambassador requested the US government to consider DFQF access of all Least Developed Countries’ products to the US market. Senator Wicker who hails from Mississippi is also a member on the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee ... Read more

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