Archive for December, 2006
China : High-end fashion to welcome original garment
December 21, 2006
Fibre2fashion.com, India
In China International Fashion Week, large number of domestic clothing designers and brands launched a series of original garment brands. In the 10th edition of the Fashion Week, original garment brands introduced were center of attraction, giving a new meaning to the phrase “Made in China”.
Experts from China Garment Association are of the opinion that by accepting this trend, industry can be directed towards new style. Chinese patterns vigorously promoted by domestic fashion designers will be the next season’s fashion trend.
However, fashion critics argue that China’s original brands will take some more years to grow, as this is just the beginning of the trend in high-end fashion.
To build a brand, a company should concentrate on exquisite clothing design by maintaining the originality in style, fabric and color, continuous value addition and refinement of its Logo.
Fibre2fashion.com News Desk-China
December 22nd, 2006
Namibia: Minister Denies Personal Interest in Garment Company
AllAfrica.com, Washington
Petronella Sibeene
Windhoek
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Immanuel Ngatjizeko, has refuted allegations that he has personal interest in Namibia Garments Marketing Company (NGMC).
Two months ago, the Director of the National Society for Human Rights, Phil ya Nangoloh, issued a press release questioning whether the minister had authorized the NGMC to operate from the premises of the Ministry of Trade and Industry
Commenting on the issue, the chairman of NGMC, Theophillus Rohm, says the office currently being used by the company follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the government and NGMC whereby the office space at the Ministry was offered to NGMC until such time as the latter could operate on its own.
The chairman explained that NGMC is actually not a company, as the name suggests, but an association which is there to assist garment companies in marketing their products.
Ngatjizeko also confirmed that the Memorandum of Understanding signed on February16, 2006 is available at the Ministry and is open to public scrutiny.
The minister said in order to promote industrialization, the Ministry of Trade and Industry entered into strategic relationships with private sector organisations to provide assistance in order to allow them to realize their business pursuit.
“We view our assistance to the Namibia Garments Marketing Company as one of those activities we regularly undertake as part of our obligation, the Minister added.
The provision of office space to NGMC cannot be treated as an isolated case considering that, prior to the establishment of the Ramatex textile plant, the management of Ramatex was given office space at the ministry to facilitate their preparatory work.
“The benefits of this arrangement in relation to our economy and people are self-evident”, Ngatjizeko stated.
He described the allegations by Ya Nangoloh as being motivated by a ‘wild imagination’.
“I do not have personal, financial or any other interest in the company referred to. In relation to my subordinates, I have not been informed of any interest any one of them may have in this company.
However, I will be quite happy to be provided with evidence that could link my officials to the Namibia Garments Marketing Company”, he said.
December 21st, 2006
Saipan : Another garment factory is shutting down in Tanapag
December 19, 2006
Fibre2fashion.com, India
POONG In (Saipan) Inc is closing its factory in Tanapag effective December 29, citing “global economic reasons and lack of garment production orders.†The garment factory’s closure will affect the employment of approximately 200 workers.
Poong In (Saipan) Inc is the 11th garment factory on Saipan to shut down since January 2005 when the World Trade Organization liberalized trade rules that now allow Third World countries to export more of their cheap garment products to the U.S
“I was shocked to learn that the company is closing that soon. We thought it would be in operation for at least two more years,†a 38-year-old employee of Poong In said in an interview yesterday.
Richard W. Pierce, attorney for Poong In (Saipan) Inc, said only the Tanapag factory will close, and not the San Antonio factory. “The San Antonio factory will remain open, and some employees from the Tanapag factory will be transferred there,†he said, adding that employees were properly notified well ahead of the closure date.
Hyung Chul Kim, general manager of Poong In (Saipan) Inc, informed the company’s resident and nonresident employees through a written notice that Tanapag factory operations will be closing effective December 29, 2006 “due to global economic reasons and lack of garment production orders.â€
The October 27 notice, a copy of which was posted at the Tanapag factory’s main entrance, said that all nonresident workers will be provided with a one-way repatriation plane ticket back to their point of hire, and/or transfer relief for any on-island potential employment sanctioned by the CNMI Department of Labor’s secretary or his designee.
Kim added that all Poong In (Saipan) Inc employees will be compensated for all hours performed. “Lastly, thank you for all the service that you have rendered to our company and please consult the Personnel Office for final processing…Thank you for your understanding in this matter and good luck in your future endeavors,†he said in the one-page notice.
The company manufactures ladies’ apparel for major retailers like Ann Klein, Jones New York and Kohl’s, according to employees.
Since Jan. 2005, 10 factories have closed here. These include Mariana Fashions Inc. in San Antonio, Sako Corp in San Antonio, La Mode (Saipan) Inc in As Lito, Neo Fashion Inc in San Antonio, Express Manufacturing in Puerto Rico, Winners Corp. 2 in Chalan Laulau, Hyunjin Saipan Inc in Gualo Rai, American Pacific Textile in Tanapag, Hansae Saipan Inc in Gualo Rai and Handsome (Saipan) Inc. in Tanapag.
Poong In will be the 11th factory to close due to the competition from Third World countries that pay their workers less than the CNMI’s minimum wage of $3.05 an hour, which was last set in 1996.
Due to the factory closures, total garment industry sales reached only $531 million in fiscal year 2006, a 24 percent or $172 million drop from FY 2005.
This is also far below the annual sales the CNMI garment industry enjoyed in its peak years of 1999 and 2000 which was over $1 billion annually.
To help the remaining factories remain competitive, the Fitial administration continues to lobby Congress to amend Headnote 3(a) of the U.S. Tariff Code to allow Saipan factories to use more imported raw materials for their garment products.
Department of Commerce, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) mission and goals set hereunder are geared fundamentally toward developing sound solutions that would help stimulate the Commonwealth economy.
Department of Commerce, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
December 20th, 2006
China : Hongdou Garment - from 14mn rag to 100mn riches
December 18, 2006
Fibre2fashion.com, India
From US $14 million to $100 million, this group of figures represents the leaps and bounds in foreign trade volume of Hongdou Group in the five years after China’s accession to WTO.
Besides, Hongdou garment has also learned how to calmly deal with textile trade frictions in the past five years. This national garment brand has gradually entered the international market
In front of the challenges and opportunities by the accession of WTO, the biggest gain for the Group is the completion of transforming from products manufacturing to independent innovation.
As a relatively wide-ranged enterprise, the Group sales totaled nearly 30 billion yuan in 2001, and reached 11.7 billion yuan in 2005. It is expected to reach 14.5 billion yuan in 2006. In the past five years, Hongdou garment sales have increased by nearly four times.
The Group will base on independent innovation, create national brands in the future, so to bring China’s clothing culture truly into international market.
Fibre2fashion, News Desk - China
December 19th, 2006
INDIA: Siyaram to setup Rs 20 cr high-tech garment unit in Daman
BharatTextile.com (subscription), India
SURAT: The known fabric manufacturer and exporter, Siyaram Silk Mills Ltd. is in process to setup Rs 20-crore high-tech garment unit for its new ready-to-wear (RTW) sub-brand called Siyaram’s MSD (Monday to Sunday Dressing) at Daman, Ramesh Poddar, managing director said here on December 15.
The planned garment unit is likely to commence manufacturing from January-2007 at Daman which will be equipped with modern machinery coupled and has a battery of designers as well as a state-of-the-art research and development centre for designing readymade garments and accessories for men.
The MD further clarified that MSD brand has ambitious plans to become the largest ready-to-wear men’s brand within the next five years and that an aggressive marketing plan has been put in place to achieve the same.
Siyaram is foraying into overseas retailing of its brand by April-2007, while the first destination would be the Middle East market and is also planning to set up five retail store of garments and fabrics and then spread in other countries too.
The luxury suiting major is also looking at the technical textiles market.
December 18th, 2006
Siyaram to set up high-tech garment unit in Daman
MELVYN THOMAS
Economic Times, India
TIMES NEWS NETWORK[ FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2006 03:05:52 AM]
SURAT: Siyaram Silk Mills is coming up with a Rs 20-crore high-tech garment unit for its new ready-to-wear (RTW) sub-brand called Siyaram’s MSD (Monday to Sunday Dressing) at Union Territory of Daman.
The company, a part of the Rs 1,000-crore Siyaram Poddar group, is likely to commence manufacturing from January-2007 at Daman. The high-tech unit is equipped with modern machinery coupled and has a battery of designers as well as a state-of-the-art research and development centre for designing readymade garments and accessories for men.
Sources said the garment unit at Daman is exclusively set-up for the Siyaram’s MSD sub-brand. The company has roped in cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni to endorse both Siyaram’s and MSD, which would be sold from the strong retail chain of about 30,000 outlets across the country.
“The Siyaram MSD brand has ambitious plans to become the largest ready-to-wear men’s brand within the next five years and that an aggressive marketing plan has been put in place to achieve the same,†says Ramesh Poddar, managing director, Siyaram’s.
According to Mr Poddar, the company is foraying into overseas retailing of its brand by April-2007. Middle East would be the first destination in the overseas market. The company is planning to set up five retail store of garments and fabrics and then spread its wings in other countries too. The luxury suitings major is also looking at the technical textiles market.
The company is projecting its net turnover at around Rs 500 crore. This reflects a growth target of approximately 23.76% in 2007. Some of the popular brands from the Siyaram Silk Mills stable are J Hampstead, Mistair, Oxemberg, apart from Siyaram’s.
December 15th, 2006
Bangladesh : Garment workers deserve minimum salary of Tk1662
December 13, 2006
Fibre2fashion.com, India
Garment Sramik Okiay Parishad is an alliance of eight garment labour organizations. Parishad leaders have blamed owners of apparel units for not following minimum salary norms declared by Wage Board on October 22, 2006 via gazette notification.
In order to get their demands accepted quickly, they formed a human chain in front of High Court with central leader Towhidur Rahman being the chairperson.
They stressed on immediate implementation of norms which comprise paying minimum salary of Tk1662 to workers in the first week of every month, Tk2550 for senior operators, providing appointment letter and ID card, weekly holidays and other demands under the new labour law.
They regretted that labourers were deprived of their rights in many factories.
December 14th, 2006
Hundreds seek justice in garment factory shut-down
KPUA, HI
By Associated Press
SAIPAN, Northern Mariana Island (AP) _ Planned closure of Saipan’s biggest garment manufacturing plant is stirring protests among workers losing their jobs.
Many were newly recruited from China to the economically troubled U-S commonwealth.
Workers from Concorde Garment Manufacturing Incorporated ended a hunger strike yesterday. But they staged a sit-down strike that stalled garment shipments from leaving the island for the U-S mainland.
This morning in Saipan, some workers still were refusing to return to work until they get overdue government tax rebates and reimbursement of recruiter fees. Some say they are owed tax rebates for several years from the cash-strapped territorial government.
Concorde announced last week it will close in February.
It will be the 12th Saipan factory to shut down since January 2005. That’s when quotas on textile shipments to the U-S ended, decreasing orders for Saipan’s “Made in the U-S-A” apparel.
(Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved)
December 13th, 2006
‘Garment workers keep arriving’
Saipan Tribune, Micronesia
By Liberty Dones
Reporter
The closure of several garment factories on the island, which has already resulted in the displacement of thousands of guest workers, has not stopped the arrival of more alien workers for the industry, said the federal ombudsman office.
“There are still lots of new workers coming in every day. At the Ombudsman’s Office, we are right across the hall from the Social Security office. All the new workers have to get Social Security cards before they begin work.This past week, there was a large number coming in [for a garment factory]. .I also understand there are several hundred permits waiting to be printed at LIIDS for even more workers to come in,†said federal ombudsman Jim Benedetto in an e-mail interview.
The new workers, totaling some 100, were said to belong to Winners Corp.
Benedetto confirmed that some of the Concorde garment workers who joined the protest rally Friday were new hires.
“Some of the workers just arrived a month or two ago,†he said, noting that this may result in Concorde shouldering some of the responsibility for refunding the recruitment fees.
“If Concorde continued to recruit new workers from China after they knew they were going to significantly reduce their workforce, it is only right they share some of the financial burden for those recently recruited workers,†said Benedetto.
The ombudsman, who spoke to Concorde garment workers Friday at Fiesta Resort & Spa, said he met with seven representatives of the workers.
“The meeting was to inform them of their rights, and give them some idea of how the process would work, and to find out what issues they and their fellow co-workers have regarding the closure… They [also] raised issues about their tax rebates and reimbursement of the recruitment fees for those who had recently been recruited or renewed,†he said.
He said the recruiters, which are based in China, “are [already] obligated to refund to the workers a portion of the fees paid, depending on how early Concorde cancelled their contract.â€
This means that those workers who were most recently recruited will receive more from the recruiters than those who were recruited some time ago.
He said this is in accordance with agreements signed in China between the workers and the recruiters.
Benedetto said his office can help the workers by asking CEDA “to intercede on behalf of the workers, and perhaps the recruiters will agree to an adjustment of terms in favor of the workers.â€
He said the workers could not expect to get full reimbursements because “no worker should get 100 percent of their recruitment fee back, as the recruiter has provided them some service, or they wouldn’t be here,†said Benedetto.
December 12th, 2006
Uncertainty looms over Lima’s garment district, Gamarra.
Living in Peru, Peru
(LIP-jl) — With only two weeks left until the Christmas shopping season comes to an end, the fire chief of the 4th Departmental Command of the Lima Fire Department - Downtown Station, cautioned holiday shoppers who plan to do their shopping at Gamarra this Christmas season.
According to Mesarina, the popular shopping emporium is a virtual time-bomb. Thousands of Limeans crowd its vehicle-free streets while pushing and shoving their way towards Gamarra´s galleries who offer attractive low prices. Building code violations, clandestine wiring, and a lack of evacuation plans are common place, he affirmed.
Mesarina reminded citizens of the tragedy at Mesa Redonda, another popular shopping area in downtown Lima, where nearly 300 people lost their lives. The conditions in Gamarra are strikingly similar to those of Mesa Redonda prior to the tragedy which occurred during the 2002 Christmas shopping season.
In the event of a tragedy, shoppers at Gamarra would have great difficulty evacuating the area because of gates that were implemented to curb theft, declared Mesarina.
“Merchants installed these gates to protect themselves from thieves without realizing the problems that could occur during an emergency,†he stated.
December 11th, 2006
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