The Arab world represents the second most important region behind Europe for the Cypriot fashion industry. According to Cypriot government statistics, over the last two years, Arab countries have accounted for over 30 percent of Cyprus footwear exports. Clothing exports from Cyprus to the Arab world almost doubled from two million dollars in 1999 to $3.7 million in 2000, with 2001 tipped to bring further growth.
“Experts have earmarked the Middle East retail industry for phenomenal development, predicting the growth in gross leasable area of retail footage in the Gulf alone could reach the world’s highest density levels within four years. This represents real business opportunities for the Cypriot fashion industry and by giving Cypriot companies an opportunity to interface with regional business interests we hope to facilitate the development of Cyprus-Middle East trade,” said Alexis Joannides, commercial counselor of the Cyprus Trade Center in Dubai.
The Cypriot textile and clothing industry is one of the most important sector in the country, and it is particularly ambitious in meeting European standards in the areas of quality and service. Most of the companies are medium-sized family businesses. Knitwear companies and producers of casual and children's clothing and shirts are particularly numerous on the island.
Cyprus is to mount its first official pavilion at a Spring edition of Motexha, the Middle East’s trade show for the fashion industry. The move, lead by the Cyprus Trade Center, a branch of the Cypriot Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, comes after a successful Motexha Autumn 2001 for the Mediterranean island, which saw Cypriot exhibitors individually take, on average, almost $30,000 worth of on-site orders with much more in follow-through business, a press release said.
“Despite September 11, the Cypriot companies exhibiting had a very successful show. This has not gone unnoticed and we have had a lot of interest shown in the Spring edition of Motexha. At this early stage, we already have six confirmed exhibitors,” said Joannides. The Cyprus Trade Center Dubai office is responsible for promoting Cypriot goods and services, throughout the GCC.
“Also we are very conscious of the cultural differences between the Middle East and Cyprus. With the dates of Ramadan changing each year, the time frame for order fulfillment between Motexha Autumn and Ramadan diminishes. Next year there will only be four weeks, so we have now reached a point were it is impossible to meet orders within the allotted time. So by exhibiting during the Spring edition time is no longer an issue.”
Post-show exhibitor surveys show that Motexha, which is organized by IIR Exhibitions, attracts trade professionals with a spending power in excess of $475 million. “In order to deliver greater value to exhibitor and visitor alike we have introduced bridal and sportswear sections in Motexha Spring, both segments have excellent business opportunities,” explained Shannon Norris, Motexha project manager.
To date, exhibitors from 11 countries have contracted space for Motexha Spring 2002, which will be held at the Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from April 15-18. The organizers have also received national pavilion commitments from Turkey, Germany, Italy and Spain. Motexha is held twice a year in Dubai with Spring and Autumn editions alerting the Middle East’s fashion and retail trade to forthcoming industry trends. — (menareport.com)
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
