The following is a roundup of apparel and footwear news from the world’s local media. just-style has not checked these stories so cannot guarantee their accuracy.
- Manufacturers in India’s special economic zones (SEZ) claim they are struggling to price their products competitively to meet the ‘green’ demands of western buyers. To reduce carbon footprint, buyers want as many raw materials as possible to be sourced domestically. But units operating in the SEZs say local inputs incur taxes and duties that they would not have to pay if they imported fabrics from countries like China to make into garments for export. THE HINDU BUSINESS LINE
- The Ghanaian government has announced a GHS3.5m (US$2.4m) rescue package to help revamp the country’s cotton industry. As well as direct financial aid, farmers will also benefit from a GHS1.5m general subsidy package, according to vice president John Dramani Mahama. The plan is to increase cotton production to 10,000 hectares or 10,000 metric tonnes this year. GNA
- Between 50,000 and 60,000 workers in the Romanian textile could be laid off this year, the chair of Romanian textile company Pasmatex has said. Turnover is also likely to fall 10-15% to EUR2.9bn due to fewer orders, according to Pasmatex Maria Grapini. She said the second half of 2010 will bring “more uncertainties” than the first. ROMANIAPRESS
- The government of Nepal is to allow business groups or associations to register common trademarks in a move that could be used to protect and promote niche products like pashmina. Until now the Nepal Pashmina Manufacturers´ Association (NPMA) has only been able to register the pashmina trademark – the finest fur from pashmina mountain goats – In major importing countries. THE HIMALAYAN TIMES
