Vietnam’s export turnover was up 5.9 per cent in the first two months of this year.
Earnings from exporting phones and their components were down 7.3 per cent. Earnings from garment and textile products were up 19 per cent. Earnings from electronic products and components were up 1.9 per cent. Earnings from footwear were up 18.4 per cent.

In the two-month period, turnover from the United States, Vietnam's biggest export market, was up 34.4 per cent. Turnover from the European Union was up 1.2 per cent. Turnover from China was down 9.3 per cent.

In the first two months of this year, Vietnam’s import turnover was up 7.5 per cent. Vietnam’s expenditure on importing electronic appliances and their components was up 11.4 per cent. Expenditure on importing machines, equipment and spare parts was up 14.6 per cent. Expenditure on phones and components was down 12.6 per cent. And that on cloth was up 16 per cent.

From January to February, Vietnam’s expenditure on imports from China was up 17 per cent. Expenditure on imports from South Korea was down 2.1 per cent. And expenditure on imports from Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) was up 1.4 per cent.

In 2018, Vietnam’s export turnover was up 13.2 per cent against 2017. Import turnover was up 11.1 per cent.

International Garment Fair Association (IGFA) has shifted its office from Gurgaon to New Delhi.

The new office premise was inaugurated by Rahul Mehta, Chairman of the association.

IGFA has started its activities for organising the 63rd India International Garment Fair (IIGF) and Source Zone fair from its new office.

Apparel Textile Sourcing Miami (ATSM) will unveil the fashion color trend forecast for Autumn/Winter 2020-21 by Pantone Color Institute, the global authority on the movement of color across current and future seasons that enables color-critical decisions through every stage of workflow for brands and manufacturers. More than 10 million designers and producers around the world rely on Pantone products and services to help define, communicate and control color.

Apparel Textile Sourcing Miami (ATSM) show will be held from May 28-30 at the Mana Wynwood Conference Center, coinciding with Miami Fashion Week to present a jam-packed event that features the latest developments shaping the booming apparel and textile market.

With the industry reportedly growing at double-digit rates, transformed by global markets, consumer habits and technology, ATSM provides an unprecedented opportunity for networking and education as more than 300 exhibitors from over 15 countries converge at the show — including fabric mills, ready-made garment factories, service providers, wholesalers, trade offices and home textile suppliers.

Show visitors will also have the opportunity to see the upcoming trends first hand and talk with color specialists at the Pantone booth.

According to President Renuka Jayamanne, the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will prosper the economic co-operation of both countries in the coming years. The support given by the Bangladeshi Government to develop Lanka’s apparel sector is note worthy.

Sri Lanka is also expected to be the Shipping and Logistics Hub which would benefit both these economies in the future.

The business council is planning to collaborate with various Bangladeshi institutes and key companies to strengthen economic ties further. The Sri Lankan agricultural sector could be upgraded by sharing experience between agricultural institutes of both countries at grassroots levels.

Indonesia is ready to implement Industry 4.0
Industry 4.0 includes the internet of things, big data, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, mobility, virtual and augmented reality, sensor systems and automation, and virtual branding.

A number of domestic manufacturing companies are readying themselves for the application of industrial digitalization. To optimize performance of the national manufacturing industry, efforts will be made to accelerate the application of digital technology.
Industry 4.0 is expected to have a significant impact on the manufacturing sector in Indonesia, encouraging a huge increase in Indonesia’s economic output. Industry 4.0 is a big leap in the manufacturing sector through maximum utilization of information and communication technology. The entire value chain can be made to achieve optimal efficiency so as to give birth to new digital-based business models. In addition, 4.0 not only has tremendous potential in driving policy changes in the manufacturing sector but is also able to change various aspects of human civilization and life.

Indonesia has chosen five manufacturing sectors that will be the pioneers in implementation of digitalization, namely, the food and beverage industry, textiles and clothing, automotives, chemicals, and electronics. These manufacturing sectors have been chosen because of its high contribution to the national economy, with contributions of up to 60 per cent in GDP, export value, and employment.

Gap is splitting into two companies, one is Old Navy. The other unnamed company will comprise Gap, Banana Republic and the company’s other brands.

So Old Navy will become a standalone company. The aim is to showcase Old Navy and deemphasize its slumping namesake brand. Old Navy’s business model and customers had increasingly diverged from Gap’s other brands over time. Originally launched by Gap in 1994, Old Navy offers apparel that generally comes in at a lower price point than at Gap or Banana Republic.

Including all its chains, Gap has about 1,35,000 employees and 3,688 stores globally. Gap reported full-year comparable sales of positive three per cent at Old Navy versus a decline of five per cent at Gap and a gain of one per cent at Banana Republic. The company plans 230 more Gap store closures globally over the next two years as the company works to revitalize the Gap brand by re-engaging with customers and expanding its loyal customer base, leveraging the multigenerational, democratic appeal of the brand.

The move comes as the US retail sector faces stiffening pressure from online retailers as e-commerce eats up a greater share of retail sales. Conventional brick-and-mortar chains are also making costly investments to become omnichannel vendors to stay relevant.

Five companies are Global Fashion Agenda’s associate partners.

These are Crystal, Erdos, Everlane, G-Star Raw and Selfridges. Driving widespread progress in the fashion industry, these hand-picked companies are sustainability leaders or are dedicated to improving their sustainability performance. The five associate partners vary in size, market segments, target demographics and product offerings, broadening Global Fashion Agenda’s network to further represent a range of perspectives that cater to differing business demands. All associate partners have incorporated sustainability into their business strategies in some form. Crystal for instance is a pioneer in apparel manufacturing and committed to implementing environmentally conscious practices throughout its business. Erdos, Everlane and G-Star Raw use sustainable manufacturing processes and materials to reduce their environmental impact, while Selfridges has established itself as a responsible retailer and trusted curator of brands.

Associate Partners is Global Fashion Agenda’s new partnership circle. The circle will expand to include other brands in the coming months.

Associate Partners will act as a secondary sounding board to Global Fashion Agenda’s primary strategic partners, adding another perspective to sustainability to represent different sized businesses. They will partake in shaping the global sustainability agenda by providing feedback and input on initiatives and content developed by Global Fashion Agenda and its steering committee which is made up of strategic partner representatives.

Igatex was held in Pakistan, February 26 to 28, 2019.

This is a garment and textile machinery and accessories exhibition. The exhibition gives exhibitors and visitors an opportunity to see the latest innovations taking place in the textile sector. More than 500 companies from 37 countries participated. There were 116 exhibitors from China and 92 from Italy.

Other countries present at Igatex included France, Belgium, Austria, Korea, the UK, the US, Brazil and Thailand. Companies exhibited their latest machinery and technology used in spinning, finishing, weaving, dyeing and garments. Most visitors showed their interest in European technology.

The expo introduced the latest technology, machinery and auxiliary equipment which will provide business opportunities and add value to Pakistani textile exports.

The event introduces businesses to the latest expertise and will also generate trade benefits besides increasing foreign investments and spending through business visits by international delegates. Ultimately this will further increase product value, which has an overall positive impact on the economic activity in Pakistan.

Textiles are the backbone of Pakistan’s economy. It contributes to 60 per cent of the country’s exports. Considered as one of the top ten textile exporting countries of the world, Pakistan is the fourth largest producer of cotton yarn and cloth, and the third largest player in Asia.

Hong Kong International Fur and Fashion Fair was held on February 15, 2019.

More than 180 local and overseas exhibitors from ten countries and regions took part. The event saw new designs and outfits from various fur makers in Hong Kong. Designers from the top ten companies impressed audiences with unique fur looks that celebrated the romantic, passionate, glamorous and cheerful charm of the opulent material and its versatility.

Regal Fur and Fashion’s designs combined modern femininity, sensational visual effects and luxurious textures. Chiu’s Fur Trading Company showcased urban elegance for women with chic design and different colors. Inspired by the bright colors of spring, East Link Fur illustrated a different style of glamour with precious Russian sable. Ace Fur was inspired by the misty mornings of early winter for its clothing line, which fuses classical elements with innovative technology. Precious Fur Trading contrasted unique beauty with delicate cut design, while SF Fashion extended geometric aesthetic to illustrate the charm of modern city life.

Featuring bright yellows and light greens, Season Trading Company impressed buyers with the sensuality of down parkas. O’ Merinos mixed different materials and animal patterns with restless imagination followed by a clothing line from Hong Kong Fur Factory that epitomized avant-garde originality with pop art and refined silhouettes.

Denim Days in New York will take place June 8 to 9, 2019.

As in past seasons, attendees will find a selection of brands, designers, artisans and vintage vendors. The event will also host new activations and interactive installations from denim supply chain. An outdoor vintage denim market will feature live entertainment, food and activities for the whole family.

Amsterdam Denim Days will take place October 21 to 27, 2019. The event includes the industry-only trade show Kingpins, and Kingpins Transformers, a day-long event promoting sustainability and corporate responsibility in denim. Consumers can take part in in-store sales and parties at participating retailers. Denim Days Amsterdam culminates with the Denim Days Festival set for the last weekend of October, where denim heads can enjoy seminars, installations, shopping and entertainment.

Denim Days is the roving global festival produced by denim insiders to connect the denim sector and brands directly to denim consumers. It is a platform where consumers can buy a pair of jeans directly from the designer, attend a seminar about sustainability by an industry expert, experience a fun, interactive installation and then get in their hands blue indigo dyeing a garment. The concept is a vehicle to celebrate jeans and connect the industry to consumers in a vital and engaging manner.