FFD is the launch-pad of a renewed and strengthened global partnership for financing sustainable development with a focus on people. FFD will provide a crucial contribution to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, which world leaders are set to agree upon in New York in September, and will form the basis for discussions on climate change in Paris in December.

Amina attributed the growing success of Kenya's fashion industry to collaboration with several global fashion outlets and personalities. "Additionally, partnerships have availed the much needed capacity-building through training and technology transfer," she added.

The minister cited the collaboration between Kenyan artisans with Vivienne Westwood, an English fashion designer and businesswoman, as an example of a successful partnership which has enabled Kenyan enterprises to connect to the global value chain.

"Over the past five years, Vivienne Westwood's involvement has supported thousands of micro-producers of bags and accessories, especially in Kenya, in developing their skills and improving their financial prospects," said Amina.

She also cited the partnership with Mifuko, a Finnish design company which works along a Helsinki-Nairobi axis. "Mifuko products are created by Finnish artists, but are made in and inspired by Kenya," she said.

She said the Kenyan government had put in place the necessary framework for partnerships and mergers.

"A framework that enables and facilitates mergers and partnerships is already in place in Kenya. The framework is handy for SMEs and other enterprises that experience difficulties in connecting to global value chains," said Amina. (SH)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India