The following is a round-up of apparel and footwear news from the world’s local media. just-style has not checked these stories so cannot guarantee their accuracy.

  • A lack of response from firms to join a machinery revitalisation program aimed at Indonesia’s textile, footwear and leather industries means the scheme will see its budget cut this year. The government is allocating IDR202.74bn (US$22.3m) to help firms upgrade their equipment in 2010, compared with IDR342.5bn last year. THE JAKARTA POST
  • Ugandan textile firm Phenix Logistics Ltd is said to be on the verge of collapse after running out of money. Although Phenix Logistics is a private textile firm, the government owns a significant stake in the business and has been asked to inject UGX1.3bn (US$609,000) into the company. DAILY MONITOR
  • African textile exports to the United States under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) trade programme are falling as the expiry date for the deal draws closer. The head of a regional industry body blames uncertainties over the pact’s renewal, and the lack of downstream links to develop fabrics from Africa. REUTERS
  • Indian textile companies have started hiring workers again as orders start to pick up from key markets like the US and EU. A number of top exporters, including Alok Industries, Gokaldas Exports, Orient Craft and Vardhaman Group, are ramping up their workforces. And because the sector is one of the country’s top employers, this is also likely to result in higher levels of domestic consumption. ECONOMIC TIMES
  • Indonesian footwear makers hope exports will reach at least at $2bn this year – up 17% on 2009 – helped by higher orders from Europe and “non-traditional markets” such as Russia, Sweden, Africa and the Middle East. THE JAKARTA POST
  • Bangladesh’s Prime Minister is seeking Chinese aid to build a deep seaport in Chittagong and establish a road link between Chittagong and Kunming – as well as calling on Chinese investors to put money in the country’s textiles and footwear industries. Bbilateral trade between Dhaka and Beijing is expected to rise to US$5bn in 2010 from US$4.58bn in 2009. ASIA PULSE
  • Chinese clothing manufacturer Youngor more than doubled its net profit in 2009 from a year earlier, according to a report filed with the Shanghai Stock Exchange. Soaring domestic sales of its branded garments helped lift profits by 106% to CNY3.26bn (US$478m). CHINA DAILY