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Interview with Zvika Lieberman

Zvika Lieberman
Zvika Lieberman
Managing Director
Textile and Fashion Industries Association [Manufacturers Association of Israel]
Textile and Fashion Industries Association [Manufacturers Association of Israel]

Dedicated to service of textile & clothing industry of Israel
Since its establishment in 1921, the Manufacturers’ Association of Israel (MAI) is recognized as a central force in the Israeli economy as a whole, and in the industrial sector in particular. Being aware of its obligation to promote national goals such as economic independence and security, MAI constitutes a powerful force in all decision-making at the macro-economic level, including subjects such as labor and foreign trade – both at the level of proposed parliamentary legislation, as well as the execution of laws. Due to its central position among the three main players that mold the Israeli economy - Government, MAI, Histadrut (Trade Union) – MAI makes every effort to maintain a balance between its responsibility towards a sound economy and society, and its obligation to represent the interests of its members, to promote their standing and to strengthen industry’s competitiveness in local and global markets. The Textile and Fashion Industries Association, representing around 140 companies, is the one of the branches of MAI, dedicated to the service of textile and clothing industry of Israel. This textile arm of MAI comprises of secondary sections in various fields, including: dyeing, military/security textiles, domestic textiles, swimwear, underwear, apparel and raw materials. Zvika Lieberman, born in 1949 in Tel Aviv -Israel, is the MD of Textile and Fashion Industries Association at MAI. Lieberman started his career in the fashion and textile sector in 1972, and for 10 years he managed clothing and apparel buying office in Israel. There after for a decade, he was the Marketing Manager of Lodzia- a manufacturing firm that concentrated in development, production and marketing of apparel items. After that for 3 years, he was the Marketing Manager at Argaman dyeing and Finishing. Next consecutive 3 years he managed buying office of Timberland in Israel, mainly in the garment and apparel field. Since past 10 years, Lieberman is the MD of Textile and Fashion Industries Association at MAI. In a talk with Face2Face team, Zvika Lieberman speaks on existing scenario in textile and clothing industry of Israel, and the activities of his association in the benefit of these industries.

MAI is the sole representative body of all industrial sectors in Israel: private, public, kibbutz and government industries. Can we have gist on how it works for textile and clothing industries?

The Textile and Fashion Industries Association numbers around 140 companies, employing thousands of workers.

The Association comprises secondary sections in various fields, including: dyeing, military/security textiles, domestic textiles, swimwear, underwear, apparel and raw materials.

The Directorate of the Association determines its overall policy and methods of dealing with macro-branch issues, as well as handling ongoing problems relating to the branch as a whole and to individual plants, vis-a-vis the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Labor, the Ministry of Finance, Customs Authorities, Ministry of Defense, the Police Force and other relevant bodies.

Representatives from the Association’s management meet with captains of the economy, with the media and others who are likely to influence and to assist in dealings with problems facing the sector.

 

Please also apprise us more about the difficulties of Israel's present textile industry?

Israel's textile industry is currently facing its most difficult period in its history. Long standing textile plants are closing down, experienced and qualified employees from the industry are finding themselves without work, and, due to the fact that most of the products produced by the domestic factories are earmarked for export, the low dollar/shekel exchange rate is exacerbating the decline of the financial stability of industry.

Despite this, we believe this is the time to strengthen Israel traditional industry and to strive to realize its inherent relative advantages which are largely based on its creative, experienced, skilled innovative and diligent human resources. We are strong advocate of the belief that unwavering determination as well as responsible and wise economic policies is the key to success.

March 2008: EU-Israel Business Dialogue was organized with the aim to augur European investments in Israel. Do you find it had worked on its aim auguring investments in your textile and clothing sector?

Since most FDI's in Israel comes from the US, and only a small amount comes from the EU, and therefore the textile sector is less affected from the initiation of the business dialog.

Announcements on Israel's Joint Declaration on Trade and Economic Cooperation with four African states are also covered by our vibrant News team last year. How has this agreement benefited textile & clothing trade so far?

Israeli export to Jordan was up 10% compared to the same period last year. Total value of goods exported was US$110 million. Most of the exports are raw materials shipped to the QIZ production facilities in Jordan.

Egyptian QIZs are a tremendous success, as confirmed by the surge in US apparel imports from this country and the sharp increase in Israeli exports of materials required in rules of origin, our Special Envoy to Cairo reports. Turkish groups are now planning to invest in Egypt in order to take full advantage of duty-free access on US market and very low labor costs.

Israel has qualified industrial zone (QIZ) treaties with both countries, under which jointly manufactured products are exported duty-free to the US. The QIZ is a tool to promote peace and stimulate the Jordanian & Egyptian economies.

The Qualified Industrial Zone is an area that has been specified as such by the US Government, and designated by local authorities as an enclave where merchandise may enter the US Market without payment of duty or excise taxes, and without the requirement of any reciprocal benefit.

Under the QIZ agreement, Jordanian companies can export to the US duty- free provided that 35% of the product shipped to the USA is jointly Jordanian and Israeli, and that the Israeli component constitutes at least 8% of the exported value.

The QIZ represents an unprecedented opportunity to gain duty-free and quota free access to the US Market, the world’s largest and most affluent consumer market.

How has the Qualified Industrial Zones (QIZ) Agreement signed with Egypt (February 2005) bided for your textile industry?

The treaty has proven its worth to Israel, Jordan and Egypt, boosting Israeli exports to Jordan as well as Jordanian exports to the US.

What are recent developments in the arena of Technical Textiles at Israel?

There are several. Naming a few;

a) Israel’s high-tech prowess has “woven” its way into the textile industry as well. Israel has a reputation as a textile innovator because of its ability to develop great materials. In fact, Israeli marathoners at the 2008 Olympic Games sported Tefron’s EFP (engineered for performance) activewear, pioneering seamless construction and ultrasonic bonding techniques marked major innovations in intimate apparel because they eliminated the need for conventional sewing and delivered garments with an exceptionally smooth and comfortable fit. Israel is one of the largest manufacturers of seamless worldwide, especially in sportswear.

There is cooperation between the high-tech industry and the textile and apparel industry. Equipment invented by electronics leaders is used to scan fabrics before they are packed -a very sophisticated QA tool that provides accurate results. A digital printer from Scitex capable of printing on textiles will reduce the cost of screen printing.

b) Made from 100% recycled Post Consumer Material. With its, cool, trendy design you’d never believe that the fabric and the lining of this EcoGir™ jacket is made from 100% recyclable material originally created from discarded PET bottles. Garments made from recycled Post Consumer Material save more energy compared to manufacturing of virgin fiber, help divert waste from landfills and reduce amounts solid waste. Thus, reducing carbon footprint! It is estimated that nearly 30 recycled plastic bottles are used to build up an EcoGir™ Recycled suit. The development of this suit was to aim at a product that maximizes product quality while reducing carbon footprint. This will impact the environment significantly, as it also reduces the CO2 emissions.

d) Kata 3N1-10 3in1 Sling Backpack - The 3N1-10 sling backpack features a unique TST RIB structural protection for A D/SLR with mid-range zoom lens attached as well as 1-2 lenses, flash + personal gear. This unique bag provides ultimate freedom and allows for three carrying options in one while morphing from sling to backpack and back again fast and easy by use of its quick release buckles.

In sling position, the bag easily swings around from back to front to achieve quick draw access to your main camera and backup lenses as well as fast and easy changing of lenses. In backpack position and "X" position you can comfortably carry your equipment for long distance walking when needed. The included chest belt and balancing hip strap helps take the load of your heavy equipment off your shoulders. Arrange your equipment in the bottom main compartment of the pack taking full advantage of the modular dividers to custom fit the bag to your exact equipment.

The large top compartment will hold personal gear or additional gear, and the internal pockets and mp3 player pouch will allow you to organize your personal effects as efficiently as your photographic gear. Two external pockets allow quick zippered access to accessories without opening the main compartments.

The included rain cover folds neatly away into an integrated pocket and can be hung out to dry on the small buckle next to the handle, or tucked away for storage in one of the pockets.

e) ThermogreenTM: the product is a flat heater which belongs to a line of products that make use of the innovative heating technology - ThermogreenTM. The heater is light, safe, and economical in its electricity consumption and radiates heat using FIR (Far Infrared) technology. It encompasses several design principles of a new, iconic look that fits an innovative product in the domestic heating field; a friendly, non-intimidating appearance; and the use of different colors and textures; all these combine to create the thinnest lightest heater possible.

Any message from Israeli Textile & Clothing industry that you may like to convey to our international visitors?

Well, on this I would like to convey them some additive advantages of our textile and clothing industry;

Technology Makes the Difference: Israeli fashion and textile companies benefit from Israel’s standing as an international center of high-tech innovation. They have taken advantage of the latest developments in advanced textile equipment. Sometimes, to meet a specific design or overcome a long-standing industry challenge, they develop their own innovative solutions. New leading-edge ultrasonic bonding equipment that cuts and seals fabric pieces without the need for conventional sewing, and is known industry-wide as seamless construction, has propelled Israel to the forefront of the intimate apparel industry sector.

Sophisticated high-tech equipment is also used in fabric printing, dyeing, and processing, as well as for manufacturing the thinnest nylon threads in the world for use in pantyhose.

A Cosmopolitan Sense of Fashion: Over the years, Israeli manufacturers and designers have developed a knack for identifying and targeting specific niche markets around the world. Many Israeli manufacturers have strong relationships with leading international fashion retailers and mail-order catalog houses. They often produce private label lines developed through joint cooperation.

Free Trade Agreements around the World: Israel is the only country to have free trade agreements with Canada, Eastern Europe, EFTA, the European Union, Mexico, Turkey, and the United States. Opportunities are constantly being explored to add to this group. In addition, both Israel and Jordan benefit from a special QIZ agreement that enables them to jointly manufacture textile and apparel products and market them in the United States duty and quota free.

A Cut Above: Utilizing sophisticated production technology enables Israeli manufacturers to meet the uncompromising standards of Western markets.

Strong product development, the ability to resource quality raw materials, and strict quality control all contribute to the industry’s reputation for reliable quality and on-time delivery.

Designs that Make Their Mark: ‘Original’, ’Creative’, and ‘Trendsetting’- all these well describe Israel’s fashion and textile apparel industry. Israeli designers have propelled their industry to world renown and acclaim with fashions that are sought by trendsetters around the world.

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Published on: 09/02/2009

DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this column are solely of the interviewee, and they do not reflect in any way the opinion of Fibre2Fashion.com.