biff_textileBANGKOK, Ma 20, 2010 / FW/ — With BIFF & BIL 2010 just around the corner, the Thai Textile and Garment industry find the exhibition an ideal platform for the entire industry to express their manufacturing potential and creative ideas.

Despite a sharp drop in its export revenues in 2009 due to the global economic downturn, the Thai textile and garment industry is optimistic about the future. By integrating strengths and adopting new strategies to survive competition and reach out to new markets, the industry expects to see 10-15% growth in export performance for 2010.

“Exports of textiles and garments from major global players like China, Eastern Europe, Mexico and Cambodia were down sharply in the last two years as a result of economic recession worldwide. There is no exception for Thailand, however, experiencing a moderate decrease of 13% in 2009,” said Dej Pattanasettapong, former Chairman of the National Federation of Thai Textile Industries (NFTTI).

“The country’s ability to survive the downtrend of the global textile and garment market can be attributed to continuous product development and improved quality assurance that are trusted by international buyers. But it is not enough. On-trend designs, upgraded manufacturing process, strategic branding, trend setting and better distribution network are also matter for us to step further putting Thailand on the world’s fashion map by the next ten years,” he added.

According to Pongsak Assakul, president of the Thai Textile Manufacturing Association (TMA), despite economic and political challenges during recent years, the Thai textile industry is rebounding quickly, with export growth of 10-15% forecast for 2010.

With products spanning woven tops, woven bottoms, sleep wear, lingerie, athletic wear, children wear, knitwear, etc, initial target is 20 pairs of manufacturers and buyers. Participating brands of this initiative to date include Guess, JC Penny, Polo Ralph Lauren, VF, PVH, as well as European brands such as Debenham’s, Hugo Boss, Max Mara and Benetton, for instance.

Riding on the theme, Look East, BIFF&BIL 2010 will feature about 1,200 booths from more than 1,000 selected domestic and overseas exhibitors. Exhibits from Thai textile and garment industry range from fibers and fabrics, textiles, clothing and accessories, to leather products and materials, and shoes as well as trend books and fashion media, equipment and software solutions – all from OEM to ODM perspectives.

Special Events include ASEAN and Japan Pavilion, 48 fashion shows, Asian Designer Congress, a series of seminars and business matching.

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