Apparel and fashion sectors; major employment generators- Minister
25 Aug '09
2 min read
Mr Steve Blackett
While launching the Fashion Design Association of Barbados (FDAB), the Minister of Culture said that, creative industries are potential revenue generating areas, particularly to earn foreign exchange and securing employment opportunities.
Mr Steve Blackett said that the potential for the fashion and apparel industry to grow is there and a relationship between the designers, pattern makers, graders and the sector was the key to development and success of the fashion sector.
“As a means of improving the sector, a Policy Paper had been prepared by the National Task Force on Cultural Industries with a number of stated objectives and strategies for the development of these industries”, he said.
Mr Blackett added by saying that, his ministry had been concerned about the absence of such a body with which to engage in dialogue and have been speaking to designers about such an idea and the formation of FDAB signals that, the designers are serious about developing themselves and the industry, and in working together as a cohesive unit.
He concluded by saying that despite challenges like, high cost of production, unavailability of raw materials, lack of funding and design space and a lack of trained operators many of the island's designers had achieved some measure of success.