Focus on AGOA at Source Africa 2015

10 Jun '15

2 min read

The renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is a key topic of discussion at the ongoing Source Africa 2015—the largest textile, apparel and footwear trade event in Africa.

The three-day event, which will go on till June 11 in South Africa’s Cape Town, is being supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which is committed to strengthening trade and investment in Africa.

Speakers at seminars on key topics such as ‘AGOA Renewal – the next 10 years’ include Gail Strickler, AUSTR for textiles and apparel, USTR; Rosa Whitaker, CEO & president, Whitaker Group, USA; Janet Labuda, vice president Compliance, Vandegrift Forwarding, USA; and Mark Neuman, global trade advisor, MGF Sourcing, USA.

AGOA, a US Government trade preference programme, offers certain African producers the opportunity to export a myriad of products including apparel, textiles and footwear, to the US with up to 35 per cent reduction in duties. As a result, several recognised US brands and retailers are already sourcing from the region and taking great advantage of savings on both labour and duty rates.

The two main objectives of the trade show are to promote African made textiles, garments and footwear to international and African buyers as well as boost intra-regional trade between African countries. The trade show encourages African buyers and manufacturers to do business with each other and capitalise on tariff advantages and shorter distances to market.

William Scalco, Organiser of Source Africa, says, “With the African apparel and footwear industry emerging as a key stakeholder in the international market, Source Africa provides the perfect opportunity for manufacturers, wholesalers, brands and retailers to seek opportunities and sustainable partnerships with key players in this ever-evolving sector.”

More than 200 exhibitors are participating in the event that has African country pavilions, and a series of events including international business seminars, Enterprise Mauritius Fashion Show and cocktail receptions.

A delegation of 42 Mauritian manufacturers of textile, apparels, accessories and footwear led by Enterprise Mauritius, the national trade promotion agency of Mauritius, is also participating in the expo.

“It is important for Mauritius to be branded as a reference in the regional market when it comes to manufacturing of apparel products and this goes in line with the government vision to sow the seeds for the development of a fashion industry,” says Arvind Radhakrishna, the chief executive officer of Enterprise Mauritius in an official release. (RKS)

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India