East Africa Trade Hub shows samples at Texworld USA
Published date:
Monday, 03 February 2014
Source:
Braving the bitter cold of New York City, the East Africa Trade Hub (EATH) attended its third Texworld USA textiles and apparel exhibition. Held January 21-23, the goal of the Texworld is to introduce international producers of textiles and apparel to buyers from around the world. As part of its ongoing Origin Africa campaign to make African producers a top option for U.S. buyers, the Trade Hub showcased samples from 15 different manufacturers from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Mauritius, and Ethiopia.
Over the 3-day event, the Origin Africa booth successfully conveyed the message that African textile and apparel manufacturers produce creative and innovative products that are ready for expansion in the U.S. market. Based on the high interest shown by buyers, African companies shined at the exhibition and helped change perceptions of doing business in Africa.
Said Patrick Yun, the COO of medical apparel company, Iguanamed, who was so impressed with what he saw: “after meeting with [Origin Africa] here, I’m going to place my first container order in East Africa.”
Introducing East Africa manufacturers to U.S. companies at trade expositions is a core EATH activity. In tandem with other market linkage activities including buyers’ missions and technical assistance, this activity has contributed to over $160 million in project-supported AGOA exports since 2009. The Trade Hub team plans to continue to promote African producers throughout 2014 at future Texworld and industry events.