Germany set to increase fashion exports to the Middle East

The increase reflects a surge in fashion exports to the Middle East from Germany, says Reinhard E. Doepfer, Managing Director of the European Fashion and Textile Export Council (EFTEC).

'Germany is the fifth largest exporter of fashion and textile products worldwide, after China, Hong Kong, Italy and USA. Germany's total global fashion export figures to the region have increased by 15 per cent over the last few years,' said Doepfer.

67 per cent of Germany's total textile and fashion production is exported. Other European Union countries, America and Russia account for 80 per cent of the imports, while the remaining 20 per cent is imported by China, Asia and Middle East markets.

'According to EURATEX (European analysts of fashion trade), Saudi Arabia is the biggest importer of German fashion products in the Middle East. The UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Lebanon and Qatar follow closely,' added Michael Mueller, Managing Director of planetfair Dubai LLC, organisers of Prestige.

German fashion imports have seen substantial growth in most regional markets. In 2004, German exports to the UAE saw a 36 per cent increase compared to 2003, while Bahrain, Iran, Oman and Qatar have witnessed 96 per cent, 70 per cent, 19 per cent and 44 per cent increases respectively.

A representative from the Federal Ministry of Economy and Labour, Berlin, sponsors of the German pavilion at Prestige 2005, said: 'There is a tremendous level of acceptance for German fashion brands in the region - we already distribute more than 50 fashion, lingerie and footwear brands in Middle East. We aim to strengthen existing partnerships and establish new strategic alliances in the region, and carve a niche for 'Made in Germany' brands through our participation at Prestige 2005.'

Popular German brands on sale through local franchising agents in the region include Joop, Escada, Karl Lagerfield, Adidas, Puma, Boss, Oui, Marco Polo and Gerry Weber. New arrivals, which will be on display at Prestige 2005, include Carlo Colucci, Fashion Square Dusseldorf, Mustang Jeans and Jean Paul.

Taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre, PRESTIGE 2005 will provide an opportunity for buyers, retailers, distributors and sales mediators from around the Gulf to meet with leading international fashion houses and designers. More than 150 top fashion brands will bring the latest trends in womenswear, menswear, lingerie, footwear, swimwear and children's wear from their 2006 Spring/Summer collections to the UAE.

Besides Germany, exhibitors from Australia, Canada, France, Italy, Lebanon, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, Holland, Hong Kong and the United States have confirmed their participation.

PRESTIGE 2005 will run from 10.00am to 1.00pm, and 5.00pm to 9.00pm from September 17-19 in Hall 4 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.