Bangladesh : RMG sector pleads for a ethical buying practice In a bid to make the readymade garment (RMG) sector of Bangladesh more competitive in the global market, domestic exporters urged foreign buyers to follow a more ethical buying practice. A two day Multi-stakeholders Forum - Bangladesh (MFB) was held in Dhaka from June 28 to 29 which kick started with the slogan ‘Building Responsible Competitiveness: Bangladesh in the Global Market Place’. Official sources from Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers Association (BKMEA) confirmed Fibre2fashion, “Joint meeting between MFB and Multi-Fibre Arrangement (MFA, a UK based organization) resulted in round table talks, working group discussion on purchasing practices, updates on current labor situation, and working group discussion on macro economic factors which are affecting the Bangladeshi RMG. Besides, Mr Paul Dearman, trading law and technical manager of Tesco, a leading buyer acted as one of the key participants of the program.” Additionally, the source also divulged that MFB is working since 2007 for developing ethical buying practices, productivity improvement, and social compliance in the RMG sector of Bangladesh. Mr Fazlul Hoque, President of BKMEA chaired the MFB forum and stated during a press conference after the first day session that recurrent cuts in garment making charges by international buyers is eroding the profitability of the entrepreneurs. He also asserted that the association wanted an increase in prices from the buyers end, not only for their profits but also for the benefit of the workers. A detailed study of the previous year shows that despite an increase in the production cost of around 15 percent, producers failed to pass on the higher costs to the buyer because of stiff international competition. In fact, unit garment prices have fallen by about 1.5 percent in the past one year. It is hoped that the forum came up with viable solution to the ongoing problem faced by the RMG sector because unless the trading practices are just, one of the two countries would always be on the losing side. United States Of America : NAS teams up with Italian sportswear brand FILA Fila is proud to announce its latest musical partnership with Hip Hop superstar and legend, NAS. The brand has appointed NAS to be the sole ambassador of the eagerly anticipated Fila Italia Footwear Collection. Fila will incorporate NAS into the marketing campaign of the Fila Italia Collection that will be available at athletic specialty and trend accounts nationwide in July. Fila and NAS will collaborate on the design of an 80’s era vintage footwear and apparel collection which will be released beginning with the Holiday 2008 season. When asked about this exciting new venture between FILA and NAS, Jon Epstein President of Fila USA, said “It is not every day that a musical artist such as NAS comes into FILA and speaks from his heart.” He added, “When NAS speaks, consumers listen. He is the truth and has real meaning and like NAS, FILA stands for something.” Reflecting on his upbringing, the Queensbridge native spoke candidly about his childhood and the Fila’s impact on his New York neighborhood. “My mother used to take care of us. She didn’t want us to fall into the streets. She wanted us to be able to hold our heads high.” NAS continued to say, “The first person that was close to me with a pair of FILA’s was my younger brother. I remember being scared for him. The sneakers were from a prestigious brand, a new brand to our neighborhood. FILA represented money, style and success. My best friend Will and I loved Fila. It represented prestige and everything that was cool to us. When Will passed, we buried him in a black Fila sweat suit, so doing a deal with them has a lot of significance for me."” The partnership between Fila and NAS is centered on a fully integrated marketing and public relations program that integrates print, broadcast and online advertising with retail promotions, artist tour support and album launch initiatives. To coincide with the release of the artist’s 10th album, set to hit stores nationwide July 15th 2008, Fila created a print campaign featuring NAS that will be seen in Vibe, XXL, Giant and Fader. Print ads will also tout his upcoming tour and album. Fila’s broadcast advertising incorporates NAS speaking about his experience with the Fila brand and will run on July 15 exclusively on BET nationwide. Fila developed in-store displays for top national and regional trend retailers to create a tie-in with NAS and the Fila Italia Collection. A life-long dream for NAS, Fila is proud to build a relationship with an artist of his caliber, and continues to prove to set themselves apart from other sportswear brands in the industry today. Established in Italy in 1911, Fila is a leading manufacturer of footwear and apparel for sport and leisure that has developed excellent brand recognition by marketing products with a high design and style content that are endorsed by professional athletes from around the world. United Kingdom : Nettle fibre clothings - a De Montfort breakthrough De Montfort University, located in Leicester, involved in various kinds of innovations, has added yet another feather in its cap, by developing a new method for using Nettle fibres in clothing and furnishings. This work on Nettle fibre at De Montfort University has been conducted over the last 5 years. The Nettle fibre project was constructed and coordinated by De Montfort University’s TEAM (Textile Engineering and Materials) research group. The work is funded by the UK government’s department of environment, food and rural affairs (DEFRA) and a number of private companies. The latter includes a number of companies ranging from farmers, fibre processors and fabric producers (CAMIRA Fabrics). Fibre2fashion contacted Dr Matthew Horne, an agricultural scientist, who was also involved in this project since its inception. According to him, single Nettle fibres range between 1.5 and 5 cm in length, and have a diameter of approximately 20-25 microns. The fibres are white and soft when prepared from a good nettle crop and well prepared for spinning. It is remarkable for its high tensile strength. Talking about this prestigious research, Dr Horne said, “The outcome of the project so far has been to develop and establish commercial nettle agricultural crop husbandry methods and to detail the necessary processing technology (Decortication and opening) for extracting the fibre from the nettle stems. It has also established a market for nettle fibre as this can be used in woven textiles, produced on either the woolen or cotton systems.” Dr Matthew further discussed the usefulness of the nettle fibre and informed, “At present, the most proven and successful use is, this fibre can be blended with wool in fabrics for commercial furnishing fabrics, such as those used in public buildings (cinemas, office furniture, etc) public transport vehicles (railway carriages, etc).” The Nettle fibre used in the De Montfort University project is sourced from the commercial nettle crops grown especially for the project on a farm Leicestershire. At present the cropping of fibre nettles is limited as it is such a unique idea, but commercial crops are now being established. Dr Horne stated, “From a commercial perspective, the nettle crop from which the fibre is extracted is a low input fibre that is compatible with sustainability objectives of promoting biodiversity on farmland while reducing chemical inputs. For example, the crop requires no pesticide to control pests, diseases or weeds. “The farmers that grow the crop have the chance to ‘add value’ to the crop output by processing the straw to extract the fibre on farm, which can assist the rural economy. Of course, it provides growers with an alternative profitable crop. As a textile fibre, nettle fibre is valuable because of its credentials as a sustainably produced fibre and its properties of high tensile strength and resistance to abrasion.” Lastly, Dr Horne revealed that nettles have properties which allow them to be blended with other fibres and are a cheap and renewable crop. India : CITI urges ministers to take steps to avoid collapse of industry Textile and clothing industry has urged the Government to take immediate steps including abolition of import duty on cotton, to prevent the collapse of the sector because of the crisis that is looming large on account of the runaway increase in cotton prices. In meetings with the Union Ministers of Textiles, Finance and Commerce, they pointed out that cotton prices in the country increased by over 35 percent during the last one year and this vital raw material has disappeared from the market because of speculative operations of international traders. “The textile and clothing industry is going through a serious crisis because of the spiraling increase in cotton prices and the unabated increase in prices of cotton will be deleterious to the economy in general and the textile sector in particular, which has already eroded its exports competitiveness on account of the appreciating rupee. The series of onslaughts being faced by the industry will cripple its growth and employment generation potential,” said Mr. P D Patodia, Chairman, Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) while addressing the press in New Delhi. He stated that a textile and clothing delegation has met the Union Ministers of Finance, Commerce and Textiles and apprised them of the grave situation that is enveloping the textile industry and suggested remedial measures. CITI has also taken up the issue with the Prime Minister recently, highlighting the need for urgent measures for moderating input costs, especially cotton prices. The textile delegation has pointed out in their interface with ministers that the price increase in cotton in the domestic market is basically because of the uncontrolled export of cotton. The official figures put cotton exports for the current year at 85 lakh bales as against 58 lakhs bales last year. However, the industry estimates indicate that actual exports during the current cotton year would surpass one crore bales, aggravating the present situation. The report that there is heavy hoarding of cotton by international traders is a matter of great concern. With cheap availability of credit at LIBOR, such traders can manipulate the supply positions, further hiking up the cotton prices. “The anomaly is that even at higher prices, textile mills are not be able to get cotton at the required quantity, which will force them to cut back the production,” said Mr. Patodia, adding that any production loss in the textile sector will have serious impact on employment generation in the country. Explaining the specific recommendations that the CITI delegation has placed before the Union Ministers and the Prime Minister, Shri Patodia and other industry leaders who addressed the press stated that their suggestions take into account the interests of the farmers and Indian cotton traders, in addition to those of the textile sector and the economy as a whole. The following are the major suggestions made: - Custom duty of 10% and Additional Custom Duty of 4% applicable to import of cotton should be withdrawn immediately, so that cotton can be sourced by the Industry from wherever it is available at affordable prices. - A mechanism may be evolved for assessing the cotton needs of Indian textile industry periodically and permit export of cotton only to the extent of exportable surplus available. The assessment can be done by Government’s Cotton Advisory Board on a quarterly basis and quantities may be released for exports for each quarter on the basis of this assessment. India : Govt considers tax exemption for Guj-denim producers The denim industry of Gujarat will enter a new phase in its business operations if the State Government decides to exempt the denim fabric manufacturers from entry tax on polyester texturised yarn (PTY) of coarser count of over 3000 denier and super specialty stretch yarn made from lycra and spandex. Although manufacturers had demanded for a complete withdrawal of the tax, the Government is still mulling over only an exemption. Situation remains grim for these manufacturers who have to source the yarn mainly from outside the state since there are no yarn manufacturers of this specialty in Gujarat. They therefore ended up paying an additional entry tax which was introduced by the Government to restrict outsiders from selling yarn in Gujarat markets to protect the local PTY industry. In an exclusive interview with Fibre2fashion, Mr Ashish Shah, Managing director of Aarvee Denims and Exports Ltd stated, “This type of yarn is not made in Gujarat. Already denim manufacturers are loaded with innumerable taxes and with this additional entry tax product costs were bound to increase. The exemption of tax is still a proposal placed in front of Gujarat Government but it would certainly be a relief if it was approved.” Industrial sources confirmed that presently denim manufacturers in the state have been buying 1,500 tons per month of PTY and over 300 denier count and specialty stretch yarn made from Lycra and spandex. The move, if taken, would help denim players save some Rs5 to 10 million per month. United States Of America : Brand of the Free launches new designable t-shirts The Brand of the Free launches six new designable t-shirts. Every t-shirt is now tagless and 100% organic cotton. This design is printed with the texture of worn and weathered fabric to make a statement about our country's strong will to overcome hardship. In America you are free, but unfortunately freedom isn't free. It is however just. Wear this shirt with pride and proclaim your liberty and individuality. Our t-shirts are made with an athletic fit so they may run slightly smaller than what you are used to. Features: • MADE WITH PRIDE IN THE USA • 100% US Cotton • 30/1 Combed Ring Spun • Fine Jersey • Superior color fastness • Minimal shrinkage • Machine wash / Dry low • Fabric weight 4.4 oz • Low Impact Dye • Fair wage / Fair labor Turkey : Carpet weaving workshop for reviving fading craft The Cihanbeyli District of Konya, Turkey, will soon come up with a centre that is aimed to promote the rich and vibrant regional culture and craft. The Rug Weaving and Production Center will hold a carpet weaving workshop, where women will not only learn the skills but would also earn at the same time that would help them to support their families. In the first year the centre will educate 30 local women about the entire process of rug making. Along with this, theoretical knowledge will also be provided to participants by professionals who are related to this field. The workshop is a joint effort of Selçuk University, Public Education Center of Cihanbeyli, Evening Arts School, Chamber of Agriculture, Gendarmerie headquarters and the private sector. The machines and tools needed to weave rugs will be financed by the supporting companies and the university will provide technical consultancy. The aim of the workshop is to raise the employment opportunity in the district that in turn will improve economic condition of the people living in the region. Carpets of Turkey are renowned world over for their remarkable patterns and colour combinations that are examples of excellent craftsmanship. The motifs especially on Anatolian rugs reflect the culture, value and deep rooted history of the nation. Previously also such workshops were held in other districts and had received positive response from the residents, as it provided them financial support. After witnessing so much popularity, many public and private sectors have joined forces to revive the slowly fading handicraft sector of Turkey. United States Of America : Uniform of Olympics basketball team to feature Nike Aerographics Nike, USA Men's Basketball head coach Mike Krzyzewski, and the entire 12 member 2008 U.S. Olympic Team for men's basketball, will join together for a fan celebration at an unprecedented unveiling of Team USA's men's basketball uniforms that they will compete in at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. The event will be hosted by TV personality Kevin Frazier at the famed Rockefeller Center Ice Rink. During the event, Nike will showcase Team USA's new Nike Swift System of Dress basketball uniform. The new Nike designed uniform for the USA Men's and Women's teams eliminates 25 centimeters of material and reduces the weight by 31 percent when compared with current uniforms. Nike's new uniform also features Nike Aerographics, an engineered mesh providing zoned cooling that reduces up to half the yarn, making it more lightweight and breathable. An exclusively designed "We the People" graphic, inspired by USA's rich history, is also integrated into the uniform. "It's a privilege to work with some of the best athletes in the world to develop the most innovative basketball uniforms and footwear we've ever created for the court," said Nike Brand President Charlie Denson. "We exist to serve athletes by helping elevate their performance and realize their potential." In addition to Team USA's uniform design, Kobe Bryant will be wearing the new USA Nike Hyperdunk colorway. The Nike Hyperdunk is 18 percent lighter than the average Nike basketball shoe and is the lightest and strongest basketball shoe Nike has ever created. Key products inspired by the USA Basketball uniform and Nike Hyperdunk footwear featuring Flywire technology will be available to consumers beginning July 26th. "This team has fantastic talent and a great will. We are in a great position to compete for the gold in Beijing," said U.S. mentor Krzyzewski. "As a team we have pledged to represent our country with respect, pride and dignity in Beijing and during our training leading up to the Olympic Games. We are proud to wear this innovative Team USA Basketball Olympic Team collection." Members of the 2008 Olympic Team for men's basketball include: Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets); Carlos Boozer (Utah Jazz); Chris Bosh (Toronto Raptors); Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers); Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic); LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers); Jason Kidd (Dallas Mavericks); Chris Paul (New Orleans Hornets); Tayshaun Prince (Detroit Pistons); Michael Redd (Milwaukee Bucks); Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat); and Deron Williams (Utah Jazz). Krzyzewski, Duke University's Hall of Fame coach, is head coach of the USA Senior Team, serving as assistant coaches are Syracuse University and Hall of Fame coach Jim Boeheim, New York Knicks head mentor Mike D'Antoni and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Nate McMillan. Vietnam : Garment & fabric traders at loss as consumers flock to supermarts A large number of shops selling consumer products are finding it difficult to attract buyers who choose to shop from supermarkets instead. This dramatic change has left petty merchants in the traditional markets in a miserable plight. While a consumer product like food is doing extremely well in supermarkets, footwear, garment and accessory goods haven’t drawn a large crowd of buyers. This is mainly because super marts offer a variety of schemes and promotional programs for food stuff while clothes and home textile products are just as expensive as in traditional markets. Even then, buyers prefer to go to malls and super markets which provide better services and ambience instead of street shops that are overly congested. As a result some of the biggest wholesale markets for fabric and readymade garments are being deserted by shop owners who either shift to bigger malls or choose another profession that has a larger audience and where location does not play a crucial factor in business turnover. Pakistan : PHMA urges Govt to aid value-added textile sector The value added textile sector of Pakistan is faced with such daunting circumstances that they have resolved to avoid taking export orders and shut down their units if the Government does not meet their quintessential demands. Leaders of apparel sector staged a protest at the Pakistan Hoisery Manufacturers Association (PHMA) House, giving voice to the demands of the exporters which entailed extending 6 percent research and development (R&D) support and withdrawal of proposed increase in the prices of gas. Failure to meet these requirements would result in closure of over four thousand apparel units and the consequent unemployment of millions of workers. It believed that imposition of increased rate of withholding tax, charges and levies in the federal budget 2008-09, is bound to adversely impact the entire textile and apparel sector. What has gone unnoticed for a long time is the fact that apparel manufacturers have been fighting all odds to give their best to the economy. Despite power failures which further increased the cost of production by Rs18 per unit, industries have been producing high quality fabric per unit to support the export sector of Pakistan. In an exclusive interview with Fibre2fashion, Mr Javed Bilwani, Chairman of PHMA asserted, “We have demanded for a level playing field from the Government which would provide local exporters with as much facilities as the competitors get in their respective countries. For instance, providing adequate banking provisions would play a crucial role in giving impetus to the domestic value-added textile industry.” Mr Bilwani also said that representative delegation of apparel sector was to hold a meeting with the Federal Finance Minister last Saturday to discuss about extension of R&D and withdrawal of gas rates. However, the meeting was postponed due to the on-going IMP Assembly meeting and was re-scheduled for this week. If the situation does not change, it is for sure that the apparel sector will not take any new export orders.