Philippines' garment industry is back on its feet: DTI

02 Jun '14

2 min read

The fashion and garment industry in Philippines is back on its feet, Ponciano C. Manalo, Jr., Undersecretary, Trade and Investments Promotion, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Government of Philippines, has said.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Sikat Pinoy National Fashion Fair in Mandaluyong City, Mr. Manalo said the fashion and garments industry is a growing and recovering industry. “It is getting back on where it was in the early days of 2000. The fashion and garment industry is back on its feet,” he added.

More than 150 exhibitors from 15 regions participated in the five-day fair that showcased apparel, accessories, and other products, according to a DTI statement.

“Trade fairs have been, by far, the most effective strategy, especially in industries that have potential to attract wholesale and retail buyers. Last year, we launched the Sikat Pinoy trade fairs,” Manalo said.

Named Piling-Piling Pananamit Pilipino, the Sikat Pinoy National Fashion Fair is the first national fashion event organized by the DTI. Manalo noted that the fashion and textile and garment industry is in a competitive scenario for Philippine export and local and domestic markets.

“The Filipino is the number one design expert in the whole world. The Philippine design is paramount in all that you have you seen in Asia. We would like to showcase the ability of Filipino designers, dressmakers, and shoemakers, to be able to capture the wide global market,” Manalo added.

Manalo said that DTI’s job is to help and encourage micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to participate competitively in the domestic market and eventually go global.

“With the opening of the ASEAN Free trade market, which is expected to go full force in 2015, it is important that our entrepreneurs are able to capture their share of the regional and global market place,” Manalo added.

From January to March 2014, the exports of apparel and accessories from Philippines grew by 3.96 percent to US$ 433.527 million, compared to exports of $417.008 million made during the corresponding period of last year, according to the data from the National Statistics Office, under the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

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