MOTEXHA Autumn 2004, the region's premier trade event for the textile, garment and leather industry closed Friday evening with exhibitors reporting new franchise partnerships and wholesale orders crossing millions of dollars. Initial figures indicate over 7000 trade
visitors attended the show that took place between the 7th and 10th of September, 2004.
Among the highlights of the show was the PURE Branded Wear area where exhibitors reported franchising partnerships. Indoyan Needles from Malaysia, Frou Frou maternity wear from Australia, Arts and Gems designer handbags and
K.S Antonious leather from Cyprus were among those exploring franchise opportunities in the region.
Commenting on this Ferry Lee, Marketing Director, IIR Exhibitions, organisers of the show stated, "The positive response from trade visitors and exhibitors alike reaffirms that MOTEXHA has successfully catered to the entire fashion
and textile industry from franchise brands to wholesale manufacturers. The emphasis on brands is because it's not just about selling products, but about selling brand value. For the wholesale sector, this underpins Dubai's strategic position as the regional export hub for the Middle East, East and North Africa, the Indian Sub-continent and Eastern European markets."
MOTEXHA brings 500 exhibitors from more than 30 countries to Dubai.
Andrew Hack, General Manager, Emidale, a buyer from Romania said, "I have been very impressed with the extensive range of products available at the show, from Italian high-end luxury brands to mass production goods from the Asian markets. I am especially interested in home furnishings and textile manufacturing accessories from Thailand and Indonesia. As an industry professional, MOTEXHA has also helped me keep abreast of the industry developments where
the Trends Forum and the Launch Pad Fashion shows have been informative, adding value to the trade show experience."
Kristen Morris, Director, Designer, Frou Frou maternity and children's wear stated: "This is our first time at the show and we're here to gauge response to our garments. We're very happy with the reactions we've got from trade visitors. We have received franchise enquiries from Jordan and UAE and are also speaking to wholesalers in Lebanon, Oman, Kuwait and Jordan. I see definite potential for our brand in the Middle East owing to the high population of children and we're delighted that MOTEXHA has opened a new market for us."
Other exhibitors included first time exhibitors Amco Global from Pakistan who conducted business worth US$ 800,000 in the first two days with fifteen potential deals under negotiation with traders from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Europe (Norway). The company is planning to bring in five
new brands at the next year's Spring show and increase stand space by six times. First time successes also include Kirby Footwear. Their UK based agent and distributor Danny Warren commented, "This is our first time in the Middle East and we thought MOTEXHA was the best platform to enter the region. We have had several orders from retail store owners in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain for our Schutz brand of shoes for ladies and Democrata for men." Kirby has also confirmed that it will return to the Spring edition
with a much bigger (72 square metre) stand.
MOTEXHA Spring 2005 will be held from April 11-14, 2005 and MOTEXHA Autumn 2005 will be held from September, 13-16, 2005. (menareport.com)
© 2004 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
