Ecuatextil 2023 opens its doors from today with a series of technological innovations and the expectation of participants to do business and sell at national and international level. This is the fifth edition of this commercial meeting of inputs, textiles, machinery, services and demand by textile traders, garment manufacturers, tailors, tailors, designers and students of fashion design and the like.
This year they did 83 companies, of which 22 come from Colombia, Panama, USA, Istanbul, Peru, China and another 61, are local. Are they will participate from March 30 to April 1 in an event expected to draw at least 12,000 visitors and move $9 million in business.
Paola Alvear, representative of Costuras Internacionales (Grupo Ortiz), one of the participating textile companies, explained that his company, which produces textiles, household, home and bed linen, duvets, sheets, towels, protectors, supplies its products to wholesalers and sells them directly in the Coral hypermarket. chain, from the same economic group. For Alvear, the expectation from participating in the fair is that his group is better known and that quality clothes can be produced at a good price. They are also looking to make deals.
In the technology zone, Edison Chávez, from Importador GB, also participates in the fair with its sublimation equipment in small, medium and large formats. He explained that he was interested in participating in this type of event to attract more customers and close sales. In his case, he said, he has four potential clients to do business with.
In accordance with Campbell Events, the company that organizes the event, this year Ecuador is committed to the growth of its textile industry and is drawing up a new growth plan for the next 5 years, the goal is to increase exports many times over.
Currently, threads, soccer jerseys, woolen caps, ponchos, nylon clothing and even car upholstery made in Ecuador have conquered the markets of countries such as Colombia, Peru and Bolivia. Industrial sales According to the Association of Textile Industrialists of Ecuador (AITE), the textile industry reached $1,143 million in 2021.
The improvement in the sector’s sales is a result of the good results of its exports, which are growing, even compared to pre-pandemic levels, i.e. 2019. Textile exports have increased to 139 million dollars. This equates to a 32% increase over 2019.
Meanwhile, Ecuador seeks to be included in large global value chains, either through manufacturing or through its own products. Entrepreneurs hope to improve their competitiveness with the help of new business models for their companies and build a new stage in the sector from below. Currently, the United States, Colombia and Peru are the main trading partners of the Ecuadorian textile industry.
Other potential markets for the country are Mexico and Central America. Local crafts and skilled labor strive to sell in European countries and enter higher leagues. Other important issues in the textile sector are changes in the mentality of entrepreneurs in social and environmental issues. Now 70% of the workers are women. Progress has also been made in human talent management and environmental sustainability.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/eluniverso/5DETQNJEJFGXVCRWKHBHAUW3DA.jpg)
In terms of technology, several innovations were presented. Among them machines for making uppers (shoes) woven with 3D technique, embroidery machines for easy placement of sequins, rhinestones, lace, innovative equipment for the screen printing world such as high-end octopus screen printing that has software industrial design and laser cutting.
In sublimation, you can find direct-to-garment printing machines such as the LaSureColor #F2100 (DTG or Direct to Garment). This offers a system designed from the ground up for high-quality prints at production speeds, thereby optimizing production processes.
On the other hand, Ecuatextil also wants to contribute training and thereby professionalize the sector. Within its academic agenda, it has entered into a partnership with its Colombian partner INEXMODA, the National Fashion Institute of Colombia, which will allow them, among other brands, to obtain information on the analysis of consumer feelings and emotions to better understand the cultural emotional climate. . These reports reveal key insights into social attitudes and behavior, as well as complementary engagement tactics and strategies for popular products in markets.
In addition, the pillars of business transformation will be discussed, summarizing the market forces and strategic focus of the industry. Topics such as Fashion Tech in the value chain of the fashion system, from design to marketing, will also be discussed. In this edition, the participation of fashion design students is also expected; Ecuatextil in alliance con Mil Colores in this edition proposes the “Chroma Challenge”, which allows students to show their talent and skills in an urban fashion competition presented in full clothing. This year, 32 contestants were selected from all over Ecuador.
Source: Eluniverso
Alia is a professional author and journalist, working at 247 news agency. She writes on various topics from economy news to general interest pieces, providing readers with relevant and informative content. With years of experience, she brings a unique perspective and in-depth analysis to her work.
