Mauritius keen to increase textile and apparel exports in high-end niche markets abroad

Mauritius after a successful display at the recently-concluded Source Africa trade fair, pan-African most important textile, clothing and footwear trade event on the global calendar is keen to increase textile and apparel exports in the overseas market this year.

The country’s national trade promotion agency Enterprise Mauritius led a major delegation of textile and apparel manufacturers at the show, which was held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 9-11 June 2015. The event promotes African manufacturers to both regional and international decision makers, with the aim to increase market share for the continent as well as develop regional trade between African countries.

There were 42 Mauritian manufacturers led by Arvind Radhakrishna, CEO of Enterprise Mauritius. The manufacturers comprised 36 textile and apparel companies (children wear, denim, knits, knitwear, shirts, and suits), two footwear and four accessories companies – all of which have managed to penetrate the South African markets successfully over the past few years.

It is important for Mauritius to be branded as a reference in the region market when it comes to manufacturing of apparel products and this goes in line with the government vision to sow the seeds for the development of a fashion industry, said Radhakrishna.

According to Geerish Bucktowonsing, Manager, Enterprise Mauritius, South Africa is a very important market for Mauritius and Source Africa is the ideal platform for their manufacturers to network with local, regional and international buyers all under one roof. Their focus is on strengthening visibility in South Africa and to position Mauritius as a reliable sourcing destination for quality and high-end products.

In addition, the Enterprise Mauritius Fashion Show was held on June 10, at the prestigious Table bay Hotel in Cape Town, which showcased both the savoir faire of their enterprises and the creativity of young designers.

Mauritius has managed to diversify its presence in South Africa with textile exports exceeding US$170mn in 2014, but this year they want to expand its reach into countries such as the USA and Europe, as buyers from USA and Europe also visit the fair giving Mauritian participants an opportunity to develop business relationship and secure orders, said officials from Enterprise Mauritius. Enterprise Mauritius coordinated all promotion actions to ensure that Mauritius remains on top of the mind of South Africa buyers.