A special note should be taken of Pakistan, which has been reaping the benefits of the reduction in custom duties on textile and clothing products entering the European Union since September last year. Pakistan, with all its skills, represents an excellent opportunity for firms.

Three new firms will contribute to the ranges offered:

• Global Exports is focussing on products made from plain and printed polar fleece with excellent finishes and competitive prices for entry-level and mid-range markets.

• Grace Apparel presents an assortment covering a number of ranges (sportswear and uniforms for both, men and women, dresses and blouses) which are aimed at the high-volume retail sector from entry-level to mid-range.

• Multan Fabrics is part of the Mahmood holding based in Multan in the Punjab. The company offers its knitwear collection brands, mainly for men and ranging from entry-level to mid-range prices.

Sustainable sourcing

Acknowledging the commitment of manufacturers to social standards linked to labour conditions and wages: two Indian exhibitors have WRAP certification (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production), which is the most important certification programme in the world for the clothing, footwear and ready-made garments sectors.

• Meenakshi India Limited with a collection in casual wear and sportswear for men, women and children for the mid-range market.

• Opera Clothing is targeting the entry-level to mid-range market with its shirting for men, knitwear for women and children from 6 months to 10 years of age. As testimony to their commitment to the environment, Cuty Merchandising Pakistan, which has Organic Exchange certification, uses organic and recycled cotton for part of their collection.

CBI supports exporters from developing countries to Europe

The CBI, attending Apparelsourcing Paris for the second time, represents an economic programme established by the Netherlands foreign affairs ministry. It contributes to fair economic development in 48 developing countries by providing assistance for management at SMEs that export, with the goal of increasing their exports to Europe.

Textiles and clothing are among the 27 sectors which benefit from this programme of support. For almost 40 years, CBI has been striving to make it easier for companies from Africa, Asia and Latin America to access the European market. It also provides them with guidance in optimising their performance (in terms of quality and reliability) and adapting their products for this market.

Three companies from Pakistan were able to attend Apparelsourcing Paris last September thanks to support from CBI. At this February’s show, it is attending with 6 Mediterranean countries: three from Egypt (Royaltex, Nountex, and Heliopolis) and three from Tunisia (Zaoui Creation, Olatex, Dorratex).

You will find CBI in Hall 1; stand M39 where you can obtain more detailed information about sourcing in the countries that benefit from their support

Messe Frankfurt