United Arab Emirates : Textile Sector Set To Boom

According to an industrial official Middle East's textiles sector is set to boom with recent analysis valuing its clothing and accessories imports at $4.1 billion and its exports for the same sector at $11 billion.

Recent figures from the Emirates Industrial Bank have valued the UAE's textile industry at $4 billion. Ministry of Finance and National Economy figures put the number of ready-made garment factories in the UAE at 150 and with combined capital of nearly $69 million, the bulk is concentrated in Dubai and Sharjah.

Meanwhile, Motexha Spring 2003, the fashion, textiles and retail trade show which has been delayed from April because of the Iraq war and SARS, will now run on May 26 to 29. The event will feature around 150 companies from 18 countries including nine national pavilions - among the largest representing are Turkey, Cyprus and Brazil.

"While the show was postponed from its original April date, it has not been negatively impacted," explained Chris Hudson, Event Director, IIR Exhibitions and Conferences, which organises the twice-yearly Motexha series.

"Motexha Spring has maintained its 2002 levels with at least half this year's exhibitors being market newcomers replacing some Far Eastern participants unable to travel at this time," he added.

"In addition, visitor pre-registration is very healthy being 30 per cent up on the same time last year."