VDMA textile machinery association, associated with around 120 manufacturers of textile machinery and accessories from all textile sectors, organized a tour for a high-ranking delegation of 15 well-known German textile machinery and accessories manufacturers to Ethiopia, from the 13th to 17th of October, 2014, supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, Germany, and SBS systems for business solutions and its local partner Agathon Consulting.
The programme consisted of visits to Ethiopian textile companies as well as information and networking events at the office premises of German Development Cooperation Ethiopia (GIZ).
The delegation discussed about the existing obstacles in the textile industry of Ethiopia concerning the supply chain from cotton to the end-product, the overall infrastructure and logistics, the lack of foreign exchange to finance, necessary imports of textile machinery and intermediate textile products such as yarns, regular power interruptions, as well as the need to qualify more textile professionals.
Despite these obstacles, the delegation had an overall positive impression about the state of the textile mills visited and on Ethiopia’s progress and willingness to stimulate the textile business.
The delegates from the German textile machinery and accessory manufacturers will continue to address the Ethiopian market by offering state-of-the-art solutions for the entire textile value chain which include machinery and accessories for spinning, knitting, weaving, hosiery, braiding, dyeing, drying, finishing, and sewing, VDMA Textile Machinery Association said.
The Government of Ethiopia has set ambitious goals for the textile and garment industry to increase the production, productivity and export performance of the industry. In 2014, the export value of textile and garment sector crossed US$ 120 million and is expected to increase to $500 million in 2016. To reach this goal, investments in modern technology is one decisive factor to further increase the competitiveness of the industry. (GK)
