| Singapore
Launches Textile And Apparel Seal Of Trust |
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SINGAPORE, July 16
(Bernama) -- Not many people know that the largest suppliers
for international brands like Nike, Macys and GAP are actually
apparel manufacturers based in Singapore.
They have
been able to ride the wave of globalisation by offering an
integrated global sourcing solution to established global
retailers and buyers, said Singapore's Minister for Trade and
Industry Lim Hng Kiang.
He said Singapore's textile and
apparel companies had been able to provide flexibility and
customisation of service offerings to these global customers
by leveraging on the cost-effective manufacturing locations in
China, Southeast Asia and South Asia, and basing their
headquarters' functions in the island republic.
He said
Singapore's combined manufacturing output for textile and
apparel last year was estimated at some S$6
billion.
The industry's outlook remained optimistic
with local apparel manufacturers aiming to grow output by 15
per cent at the end of the next five years, he said when
launching a seal 'Apparel Singapore' for the local industry
here Wednesday.
Companies that qualify would carry the
Apparel Singapore seal alongside their own company logos. They
would be recognised as trusted business partners who respect
intellectual property, comply with strict social and
environmental standards.
Apparel Singapore is a joint
effort by the government and industry to help Singapore-based
apparel manufacturers expand their international customer base
and strengthen business relationships with buyers.
This
collective brand identity embodies their value offerings as
trusted business partners - highly reliable, reputable,
customer-focused, adaptable and integrated service
offerings.
Lim said with the elimination of global
export quotas, international buyers were now placing even
stricter demands on apparel manufacturers in terms of price,
quality and delivery time.
He said it was important for
Singaporean companies not only to continually upgrade their
capabilities but also to regularly cultivate its existing and
potential trading partners in the global arena.
--
BERNAMA
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