European trade association endorses Prime Source

The organisers of Prime Source, the networking event for the international apparel industry to be held in Hong Kong in March 2006, has announced the endorsement of the event by the Foreign Trade Association (FTA). The FTA is the only European trade association that represents the foreign trade interests of European commerce. It advocates free world trade and the liberal development and strengthening of the multilateral trading system within the framework of the World Trade Organisation. Headquartered in Brussels, its members are national retail trade associations and individual firms from nearly all European countries.

Commenting on this new event, FTA secretary-general Mr Jan Eggert said, "Prime Source will not just benefit the apparel industry, but will provide a forum for senior-level dialogue between trading nations that leads to greater cooperation and mutual benefits across all fronts."

FTA's endorsement adds on to that already extended by the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) and the United States Association of Importers of Textile & Apparel (USA-ITA). These three endorsing associations collectively represent the largest buyers of apparel and textile products in the major markets of Europe and the USA, and are working closely with the organiser of Prime Source to design a programme that is fitted to the needs of the industry.

Mr Kevin Burke, president/CEO of AAFA in welcoming the launch of Prime Source said, "This is the event that the industry has been waiting for. For years we have awaited the lifting of quotas, and now we need a worldwide event where our members can source fabrics, trims and finished apparel from wherever they want. Hong Kong is exactly the place to do that."