EU garment exports to the GCC touched AED 3 billion in 2005

Last year, the UAE accounted for one-third of the total European fashion imports to the GCC amounting to AED1.14billion (Euro 271 million). UAE imports from Italy reached AED 294 million (Euro 70 million) in 2005, while France, Spain and Germany exported goods worth AED 185 million, AED 160 million and AED 84 million respectively.

The export statistics were announced at a press conference in Dubai today as a curtain-raiser to the upcoming Prestige 2006, a leading international trade exhibition showcasing high-end international fashion brands and related products.

"The encouraging growth reported last year marks the end of a long phase of decline in garment exports from the 15 EU states, especially to the Gulf," said Michael Müller, Managing Director, planetfair Dubai LLC- organisers of Prestige 2006.

"The 2005 statistics point to an optimistic period for European exports," explained Reinhard E. Döpfer, Managing Director, European Fashion and Textile Export Council (EFTEC). "European garments are highly sought after for their quality, diversity of designs and use of the best fabrics in the manufacturing process. We are now confident of increasing our market share in the Gulf."

"Dubai has more than 21 shopping malls with 70 per cent of the stores featuring just one brand. This is a trend seen throughout the Middle East. Gulf Markets need a better balance between mono-brand and multi-brand fashion stores located in shopping malls to give customers a wider choice," Döpfer added.

In terms of overall fashion exports to the Gulf in 2005, Italy and France have emerged as leading gainers when compared to the previous year recording a 12 per cent and 10 per cent increase in exports respectively. Italy reported Euro 189 million worth of exports to the GCC while France followed with sales of Euro 163 million.

Müller added: "The European garment industry had been facing a slump over the years, following intense competition from countries such as China and India. Our products are driven more by quality than quantity - which gives European garments a competitive edge in the international market."

The UAE, he added, was one of Europe's leading international markets. In terms of product categories, EU-15 garment exports of coordinated garments for women and girls grew by seven per cent to touch AED353 million (Euro 84 million). Exports of men's garments to the UAE in 2005 showed a marginal increase, totaling AED 246 million (Euro 58.6 million).

The largest export increases to the UAE were in sub-segments such as trousers for women, which jumped 66 per cent, skirts (up 56 per cent), T-shirts (up 52 per cent), blouses (up 32 per cent) and business wear (18 per cent), compared to 2004 figures.

To be held at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, the fourth edition of Prestige will feature over 160 exhibitors from 18 countries showcasing a wide diversity of collections in mens wear, women's clothing, casual wear, children's wear, accessories and shoes.

The 2006 event will feature country pavilions from Greece, Germany, Thailand, France and Italy. Other exhibiting countries include Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Hong Kong, Japan, Latvia, Lebanon, Spain, Turkey, the United States, United Kingdom and the UAE.

A major attraction of Prestige 2006 is LINGERIE ARABIA, the first specialsed event for lingerie in the Middle East. More than 60 upper medium to high-end lingerie brands will showcase exquisite innerwear, nightdresses and swimwear made by some of the prestigious European labels will be showcased at the event. Lingerie Francaise, an association representing high-end lingerie brands in France, will also extend their support to Lingerie Arabia.

The organisers expect a large turnout of trade visitors from the MENA region, especially garment manufacturers, manufacturers of apparel / non-apparel items in sewn products, textile distributors and retailers, garment accessory distributors and retailers, mall owners and garment resellers.

Key partners for Prestige 2006 are the Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The high quality standard of the exhibition is supervised by ITMM (International Textile and Fashion Marketing and Management) and EFTEC (European Fashion and Textile Export Council), Brussels.

Prestige 2006 and LINGERIE ARABIA will run from 11am to 7pm from September 17 to 19, 2006 in Hall 4 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre. The exhibition is open to trade visitors only.