Sourcing at Magic 2015 introduces Haitian textile and apparel sector to its visitors

Sourcing at Magic is North America’s largest and most comprehensive apparel sourcing event, connecting the entire global supply chain of the fashion industry. Sourcing at Magic 2015 introduced its visitors to the unique and creative forms of garments available from the Haitian textile and apparel industry.

The Center for Facilitation of Investments (CFI) of Haiti and members from the Industry Association of Haiti (ADIH), supported by the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) showcased the country’s best in textile and apparel at the event held in Las Vegas, Nevada held from August 16-19, 2015.

This year the event offered unmatched access to over 41 countries representing the world’s most important markets. The show featured raw material suppliers of more than 4,000 apparel, accessories, footwear and home textiles and over 500 traders in fabric, trim and components. The event also featured educational seminars which emphasized industry issues and trends that are impacting productivity and profitability.

For four days the Haitian delegation had the opportunity to exhibit the Haitian-made apparel as a way of distinguishing themselves in the marketplace among the attendees of original and contract design manufacturers; fabric, trim, and component suppliers; and service and technology providers.

Haiti has the potential to become a significant garment manufacturing hub within the Caribbean and preferential trade access has already been secured to bolster Haiti’s garment industry by the US trade legislation HOPE/HELP granting Haiti duty-free access to the US market.

Apart from duty-free imports into the US, this legislation awards Haiti a significant advantage by allowing raw material sourcing from any country in the world (exemption from yarn-forward rule).

Caribbean Export organized this mission within the framework of the Haiti/Dominican Republic Bi-national Programme, funded by the European Union under the 10th EDF. This Programme seeks among others to strengthen the capacity to develop, enforce and implement trade policies and regulations and support investment promotion in support of the sustainable development of both countries.

Haiti’s presence at the event enabled exploration of new business opportunities and engagement with potential investors.