Around 40 Thai exhibitors were present in Dubai in the first half of September for Motexha, the Middle East’s premier trade show for the fashion, textile and leather industry, to meet with the region’s prominent buyers and explore franchising and retailing opportunities.
One of the highlights of Motexha, organised by IIR, was the introduction of a new retailing initiative, ‘Launch Pad’ fashion shows. Designed to showcase international fashion brands looking for franchise opportunities, Launch Pad offered trade buyers and local entrepreneurs a preview of the collections being displayed at the Pure branded wear area and EuroTrendz pavilion of the show.
Motexha also witnessed a unique fashion show of Chinese Silk garments with professional models.
As well as Thai and Chinese exhibitiors, there was strong participation from India, Malaysia and Turkey. The show’s four specialist areas were Pure Branded Wear, KidZone, EuroTrendz and Retail Outfitters.
Thailand’s burgeoning fashion, textile and leather industry is looking towards lucrative growth markets in the Middle East to increase its global standing in the fashion world. A 2003 report by ICON Group Ltd says Thailand is the Middle East’s ninth largest apparel exporter, trading $189 million. Led by Thailand’s powerful government associations, the country is actively seeking to boost its exports to the region, especially to markets such as the UAE, Saudi, Qatar, Bahrain and Lebanon.
The Thai exhibitors had the support of the Ministry of Commerce's Department of Export Promotion (DEP) and Thailand's top garment, shoe and leather associations.
The importance of textile and clothing manufacturing to Thailand’s economy is apparent. Combined, they are the second largest export commodities in the country accounting for $3.2 billion of export earnings yearly. Exports for 2003 increased by 2.9 per cent over the previous year and in 2004 should increase by three per cent over 2003.
Motexha, a bi-annual exhibition, is the leading fashion and textiles trade event in the Middle East. Now in its 26th year, it has grown and developed to reflect the evolving and diverse needs of the global and regional fashion and textiles industries; the trends, styles, and real business needs.
