New economic opportunities seen in ASEAN apparel sector

Foreseeing the high economic growth rate of the ASEAN regions, Prime Source Forum, along with the support of Mr. Michael Blakeley of Nathan Associates, Mr. Ade Sudrajat, the Chairman of Indonesian Textile Association (API) and Mr. Andrew Hung of The ASEAN Federation of Textile Industries (AFTEX), the forum was honoured by the presence of some of the most significant key players of the apparel industry to discuss over economic opportunities and challenges of emerging countries.

Some of the most distinguished speakers of the industry came from AFTEX, Ann Taylor, Busana, Oeko-Tex, Puma, Trisula, SAFSA, TaFf, USG Asia, VF Asia, and Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) while the forum was well attended by decision makers from Ann Taylor, Busana, C&A, Debenhams, Ghim Li, Quiksilver, M&S, Puma, Oekotex, One Source, Sing Lun, Swarovski, Target, Testex, Trisula, VF Asia, Disney, WRAP and many regional companies.

“Congratulations to Prime Source Forum - Focus on ASEAN for correctly seeing the high interest in ASEAN and for organising an event with high caliber speakers and robust attendance.” Michael Blakeley, Managing Director in Enterprise and Industry Development of Nathan Associates Inc. later commented.

Mr. Christopher Eve, Senior Vice President of UBM Asia Ltd, on behalf of the organisers APLF Ltd opened the forum commenting “In recent years, new challenges have been emerging as the global economic crisis hits retailers and also manufacturers around the world, but it also brings many opportunities for vendors in the ASEAN region to serve their clients who are looking for good products fulfilling compliance, green and safety requirements at reasonable costs.”

A welcome address from Mr. Ade Sudrajat, the Chairman of Indonesian Textile Association followed, outlined the significance of ASEAN becoming a new emerging market in Asia besides China and India with statistics and figures to support. “PSF shall be an ideal media platform for all textile and garment stakeholders to meet together and strengthen their business relationships and share information, as well as to develop innovation and creativity.” He said.

PSF was honoured with the presence of Government Official, Ir. Panggah Susanto, and Director General of the Manufacturing-base Industry, and Ministry of Industry from Indonesia who gave an opening speech to start off the forum.

Following was the first keynote address by Dr Renier Hengstmann, Global Director of the Safe Supply Chain of PUMA who covered the topic “Environmental Profit & Loss Account and going beyond to the Product Environmental Profit & Loss”.