Funded by the Department of Trade and Industry's (dti) Sector Specific Assistance Scheme (SSAS) - which is geared towards emerging exporters - and led by Wesgro the mission forms part of the Agency’s Export Advancement Programme (EAP) business plan for the 2018/19 financial year.
The EAP is an export training and development programme that is housed within the International Trade unit and teaches companies the basics of exporting such as: export marketing; export finance management; export costing methods; logistical training; and Incoterms. Some of the companies on the mission have graduated from the EAP. Out of the 14 companies exhibiting, 11 are from the Western Cape.
“The textile business took a knock last year,” said Wesgro CEO, Tim Harris, “the trip to market forms part of our Trade unit's strategy to build and strengthen the local industry as well as assist emerging exporters access the European market.”
Celebrated as the most visited international tradeshow in Europe, TRANOÏ conveniently coincides with Paris Fashion week. Occurring four times a year, the aim of the show is to facilitate relationships between influential players in the fashion industry - including designers and buyers - with textile businesses.
Ranked amongst the most popular textile tradeshow for retailers around the world, TRANOÏ has exhibited the work of globally renowned designers such as Vivienne Westwood, Le Mont St Michele and Jérôme Dreyfuss.
“Textiles, clothing and leather items feature as the 4th largest trade category between the Western Cape and France, with the exports increasing by 17% between 2017 and 2018,” said Denan Kuni, Wesgro's Head of International Trade and Development.
Kuni added, “Our province’s rich history - boasting a multitude of religions, ethnic groups and cultures – is reflected in the vast array of textiles emerging out of the Cape. TRANOÏ is the ideal platform for our local producers to showcase the premium product being produced locally and entice business from foreign buyers.”
"The Western Cape has a long history in the clothing and textile trade and the province is positioning itself to revive this industry which can contribute to job creation and economic growth. The Paris mission will allow us to market the province's manufacturers to new and influential players in the industry and aid in growing this sector," concluded Minister of Economic Opportunities, Beverly Schäfer.
Wesgro is Cape Town and the Western Cape's official Tourism, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency, and receives its mandate and funding from the Western Cape Government's Department of Economic Development and Tourism and the City of Cape Town.
Issued by Wesgro Media Team on 18 January 2019
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