Promotion of Mauritian apparel at Première Vision New York

Enterprise Mauritius is leading a delegation of eleven manufacturers for first time to participate in the forthcoming edition of Première Vision New York which will be held on 19 and 20 July 2016 at Pier 94 New York, USA.

The delegation comprises six large and five medium textile and apparel companies. The products that will be showcased are t-shirts, polo shirts, jeans and children wear. The main objectives behind this participation are to consolidate and expand market share in USA and maintain visibility as a Reliable Sourcing Destination for textile and apparel products. Première Vision is an international fair which is held twice a year both in Paris and New York at different intervals. It is considered as an ideal platform for Mauritian enterprises to showcase their products and establish contacts with new buyers as well as consolidate linkages with existing buyers. The fair is visited mainly by sourcing professionals and decision makers from the apparel industry. New York is considered as the fashion district of the United States; with over 900 fashion companies having their headquarters there. The prime location of the show, in the very centre of New York, ensures that important buyers, sourcing professionals, brands and private labels will attend the show. The July 2015 edition which recorded 306 exhibitors attracted some 4,500 international professional purchasers over a two-day period. Representatives from renowned brands such as Calvin Klein, J.Crew, Michael Kors, Banana Republic, amongst others, attended the show. USA is the second most important export market for Mauritius with total exports amounting to Rs 8.23 billion in 2015. The main products being exported comprise mainly of textile and apparel (83%), agro products and jewellery. The preferential market access granted to Mauritius and other African countries through the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has played a critical role in spurring Mauritius’ exports to the U.S. The recent renewal of AGOA for a further period of 10 years, coupled with the extension of Third Country Fabric Derogation until 2025, offers a tremendous opportunity for Mauritian manufacturers to further boost up exports.