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 fire at garment factory Dignity Textile Mills located near Bangladesh capital Dhaka resulted in four floors collapsing. No deaths or injuries were reported but the factory building was inspected by the Accord. THE SUN DAILY
- Indonesia is to invest IDR3tr (US$230.15m) in its textile and garment industry this year, despite rising challenges from new electricity prices and an increase in labour costs. The majority of the investment, from foreign investors including China, South Korea and Taiwan, will be poured into Central Java. JAKARTA POST
- Lesotho's textile industry is at risk of losing 35,000 jobs if the US drops the nation from its preferential trade accord because of worsening political tension in the country, the Alliance of Progressive Trade Unions has said. The country has been in turmoil since an attempted coup in August against former Prime Minister Tom Thabane. BLOOMBERG
- Subsidy claims of around 4,500 crore by Indian textile mills may be pending with the Textile Ministry for investments made under the Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS). The delay has dealt a blow to the industry, already crippled by a cash crunch, huge debts and poor export demand. Consequently, investments in the sector have been stopped in the current fiscal. FINANCIAL EXPRESS
