Singaporean clothing manufacturers and designers debut at MOTEXHA Spring 2004

IE Singapore has designated 2004 as the year of internationalisation, and with the upcoming removal of global textile quotas by the end of 2005, IE Singapore has embarked on an aggressive campaign to promote Singaporean designers to the world.

The Singapore Pavilion will showcase leading Singaporean fashion houses such as Celia Loe and BY3 Designs, offering the region's trade buyers new suppliers for sourcing fashionable, yet affordable designer apparel. MOTEXHA Spring 2004 is being held at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DIEC), from April 19 to 22, 2004.

Singapore's textile and garment industry is characterized by high quality middle-line brands. The industry has the dual advantage of leveraging low cost manufacturing from neighbouring Malaysia, Indonesia and Korea, and the growing expertise of Singaporean apparel specialists and fashion designers. This gives Singapore a distinct edge over other Asian garment exporting nations, boosting the country's efforts to develop into a regional fashion hub for South East Asia.

"Singapore's textile and garment industry accounts for approximately US$ 665 million of the country's domestic exports, largely by the country's own contract manufacturers. However, the estimated total exports from the industry's offshore production facilities is approximately US$ 2.2 billion. This has an important multiplier effect on the Singaporean economy," stated Mrs Tan Li Lin, Deputy Director, Lifestyle Division, International Enterprise Singapore.

Geoffrey Booy, Director, IIR Exhibitions, the organizers of the show stated, "Singapore's debut at MOTEXHA has come at the right time, as the Middle East will witness a doubling of retail space within the next year, bringing more brands than ever before into the region. A recent report stated that Emaar Properties upcoming Dubai Mall will dedicate 850,000 square feet of retail space of high and mid-fashion brands. The Economist Intelligence Unit has forecast an annual 1.4 percent increase in consumer spending in the region. Exhibitor and trade visitors to MOTEXHA who are looking at entering this lucrative market should make the most of this opportunity and use their time at the show to network and discuss partnering possibilities," added Booy.

Celia Loe of First Stop Pte Ltd and Jin T Fashions Pte Ltd, first time exhibitor and one of Singapore's leading designers for over three decades stated, "We are actively looking for partners or franchisees who see value in bringing our labels to their countries, and MOTEXHA represents the best platform to enter the Middle East market. Our garments have built a name over the years by adhering strictly to high standards of quality. In addition, most of our fabrics are sourced from Europe, thus ensuring that our collections are of the latest trends". Celia Loe will be exhibiting her line of glamorous women's wear, with an emphasis on evening wear.

Mr. Edward Ang, President of Textile and Fashion Federation (TaFF), Singapore said, "MOTEXHA represents a great platform for Singaporean garment manufacturers, designers and retailers to showcase their brands. Singapore's fashion industry is exploring new markets with a view to capture a substantial share in the quota-free world textile trade, at the end of 2005. Free trade agreements between Singapore and various countries have also contributed to boosting the industry, thereby attracting a large number of apparel specialists and designers to join the industry. Government bodies like TaFF and IE Singapore, also have financial schemes to encourage Singaporean companies to venture overseas, and participate in reputed trade shows such as MOTEXHA".