AT least 10 local companies will participate at this year’s Source Africa known as the African Textile, Clothing and Footwear Trade Event to be held in South Africa next month, NewsDay has learnt.
BY MTHANDAZO NYONI
The trade event will run from June 7 to 9.
According to ZimTrade, the country’s export promotion body, the participation was aimed at exposing local clothing, textile and leather products to regional and international buyers as well as to generate export orders.
Source Africa is the largest trade exhibition in Africa for the clothing, textile, footwear and fashion accessory industries. The event brings together suppliers, buyers, manufacturers and service providers in one major integrated event.
Zimbabwe Clothing Manufacturers’ Association (ZCMA) chairperson, Jeremy Youmans said the show would help Zimbabwean companies penetrate the global market.
“Source Africa attracts international buyers from Europe, USA and Asia as well as the region. Our participation at this event is to show the world that we still have the capacity to produce quality leather, textile and clothing products that can compete on the global market,” he said.
Global imports of clothing and textile products grew from $895 billion in 2012 to $987 billion in 2014, according to ZimTrade.
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Zimbabwe’s exports of clothing to South Africa have been on an upward trend, having increased by 45,8% from 2012 to 2014, the body said.
ZimTrade said Zimbabwean clothing articles were enjoying preferential treatment into South Africa under the Zimbabwe-South Africa Bilateral Trade Agreement.
“Companies wishing to utilise this agreement should apply directly to the ministry of Industry and Commerce. Alternatively, they can send their applications through the ZCMA,” ZimTrade said.
ZimTrade disclosed last year that potential business estimated at $1 million was anticipated following participation of textile and clothing companies at the same exhibition last year.
