The 4th edition of the Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week, better known as ASFW, opened today at Millennium Hall, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The four-day event, from 1 to 4 October, will bring together professionals and experts from cotton, garments and textile industries, from across the globe. ASFW will also offer the best of technology for apparel and textile production.
Over the last decade, Ethiopia has been fast emerging as a favourite destination for apparels and garments. Reportedly, the number of skilled labour in Ethiopia is expected to increase to an impressive 3,50,000 in next 5 years.
More than 250 manufacturers and exporters from 25 nations will be displaying their products at the event.
There will also be talks and seminars on investment opportunities in countries like Mauritius, Kenya, Madagascar and Ethiopia.
It is noteworthy that Ethiopia has opened its state-owned firms to foreign investors in its bid to bring more foreign currency into the country. The economic initiatives as well as the peace efforts with Eritrea have got Ethiopia a lot of support from several international organisations including the United Nations.
The event is being organised jointly by the Ethiopia Textile Development Institute (ETIDI), Ethiopia Textile and the Garment Manufacturers Association (ETGAMA) along with the Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH.
