Integrated manufacturing push agreed

Asean countries have decided to strengthen their garment and textile industries in order to create an integrated manufacturing base in the region.

The move came after Asean trade ministers and businessmen met for a public-private policy dialogue in Bangkok yesterday.

Commerce Minister Porntiva Nakasai said Asean businessmen were very motivated in strengthening the competitiveness of the garment and textiles industries, so that the region could become a manufacturing base both at the upstream and downstream levels as well as for fashion and design.

Phongsak Assakul, president of the Asean Federation of Textile Industries, said under the plans to strengthen the industry, businessmen had asked for two types of support from governments.

First, they said, governments should open up a special lane for the clearance of textile and garment exports and imports among Asean states.

Second, government should put aside US$3 million (Bt102.4 million) as funding for the improvement of labour skills in the garment and textiles industries. The fund would be part of the Source Asean Full-Service Alliance Programme.

The programme will help develop all related industries, ranging from weaving and fabric creation to design development, within three years.

Rachane Potjanasuntorn, director-general of the Export Promotion Department, said this would be a pilot project for the integration of other industries among Asean countries.

Tighter cooperation among Asean countries in textiles and garment industries will not only help develop the industries, but will also reduce any weaknesses Asean industries have in competing with others, he said.

Thailand is holding the Asian Fashion Plus Trade Fair in tandem with the 41st Asean Economic Ministers Meeting, which started yesterday and will run until Sunday.

This special promotion is part of the Bangkok International Fashion Fair and Bangkok International Leather Fair 2009 (BIFF & BIL), being held at Impact Muang Thong Thani.

The fair highlights the Kingdom's readiness to become a fashion centre and the hub of handmade silk in Asia.

The country's exports of fashion and leather products are expected to grow steadily to Bt620 billion this year.