Asia – An Emerging Consumer Market from Global Production Base
1. Trade Liberalization vs. Barriers
Elimination of the quota system has brought increased trade liberalization. Retailers and their suppliers have already built up their global manufacturing network as well as logistic systems to aim at the new era of international textile and apparel trade opportunities. Enterprises from the East and West shall emphasize how to strengthen their business competitiveness rather than rely on quota protection as usual. However, some nations and regions have developed new trade barriers to restrict suppliers from other countries. Industrialists from both the supply and demand side are concerned whether it is a stable business environment for free trade or not.
2. Asia Market: Risks & Opportunities
Apparel makers from Asia are major suppliers to the global market, and have helped improve the Asian economy. Nowadays, more and more Asian countries present a good consumer market based on their consumers’ purchasing capability. New investors are taking an interest in Asian retailing, but business risks need to be well managed. One important issue is how to protect intellectual property. Of course, some successful cases of market development in Asia will also be presented.
3. Capacity Growth vs. Profitability
In the last decade, capacities of spinning, weaving and apparel making have grown a lot, especially in Asian countries. Business leaders in the apparel world worry about the issue of oversupply, which also results in price competition among suppliers everywhere around the world. Many retailers plan to relocate their sourcing bases. Many countries, therefore, are very concerned about job opportunities. Many suppliers try everything they can to keep their clients, even as their business profitability diminishes.
4. Technological Development and its Application to Production and Marketing
Technology development has had a huge impact on the apparel industry thanks to its application in such areas as management performance, product development, marketing and many others. It is no doubt a key determinant of the competitiveness of multinational companies. Come to IAF 2007 and find out how technology will impact your business as well as consumers’ daily lives.
Conference Chairman’s Welcome
However there are excellent opportunities not only for apparel firms actively operating in Asia, including China, India and ASEAN countries, but also forms in other continents. Apparel industries in these countries enjoy more robust growth than ever before. The prosperity of these areas is becoming one of the major driving forces of the world economy. Thus the 23rd IAF World Apparel Convention will be focused on the the theme “Asia – from a global production base to an emerging consumer market “. Reknowned specialists from the apparel supply chain will be invited to share their expertise regarding production, management performance, the impact of high-tech innovation, and trends in trade and production.
In addition, we are also planning a study tour to apparel factories in two of the region’s fastset growing countries, Cambodia and Vietnam, to share the experience in international apparel manufacturing and to offer superb networking and business opportunities to conention delagates.
IAF2007 will be held concurrently with Taipei Innovative Textile Application Show (TITAS). TITAS is particularly notes for its focus on high added value, fashionable and functional fibres, yarns and fabrics. You’ll be able to catch two important events at the same time and place. Don’t miss out on the action!
I welcome you and look forward to seeing you in Taipei in October 2007.
Roland Tsai,
Vice President, IAF
Chief Vice Chairman, TTF