South Africa - The organiser of a South African apparel exhibition has hit back at claims the event undermines the country’s efforts to promote domestic industry.
The 11th ATF 2009 apparel, textile, footwear and machinery exhibition, which took place on 4-6 November at the Cape Town International Conference Centre, came under fire this week from local clothing manufacturers for bringing in too many low-cost exhibitors from the Far East.
More than 120 Chinese clothing and textile manufacturers exhibited at the event, raising fears of unfair competition among South African clothing and textile manufacturers, which are already struggling to compete with low-priced or illegal imports from east Asia. Just 17 companies from South Africa exhibited at the exhibition.
The MD of event organiser LTE South Africa, Deirdre Harte, told Exhibition World that ATF 2009 was a good opportunity for South African companies to establish themselves on the international stage. “This view of not exhibiting is like an ostrich putting its head in the sand,” she said. “The presence of the Chinese exhibitors is even more reason why South African exhibitors should have been there. These South African companies are quite happy participating with hundreds of Chinese companies at big world fairs, but suddenly when it comes to their own country then it’s not allowed?”
Cape Clothing Manufacturers Association spokesman Johann Baard said that while the association supports developmental trade practices where competition was fair, the expo falls "far short" of this goal. His view was echoed by the executive director of the South African Textile Federation, Brian Brink, who said that such exhibitions “heavily favour” the international exhibitor and that while domestic companies used to exhibit at the event, he would be “surprised” if any of his members were present this year.
“The South African textile manufacturing market’s about two-thirds the size it was and a number of major clothes players in South Africa are closing their doors,” said Brink. “They weren’t able to survive; it’s a combination of companies from China and the global recession.”
Harte says that South African exhibitors were given a special rate to entice them to exhibit, and unlike the international exhibitors, were not charged in US dollars. ”We had 17 companies from South Africa, so we are certainly open to South African companies as well.
“Ultimately we bring the companies to the South African buyers, and the Chinese companies are clearly the people that they want to talk to. The buyers came and in this instance, China did capture the market,” she said.
