The ASEAN Federation of Textile Industries (AFTEX) in its 48th council and 46th plenary session held on December 15, resolved to collectively address issues faced by the textile sector of the region to address decline Decline in orders kicking in for footwear, garment, and textile industries.
The representatives after the meeting issued a signed statement on cooperation in water management and environmental, social, and corporate governance. Vu Duc Giang, the president of AFTEX who is also the Chairman of the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS) textile sector is facing intertwined opportunities and challenges in the global market. He said AFTEX member countries must continue building information channels to connect more strongly. They need to provide mutual assistance to tap into the strengths of each country.
He said at this crucial juncture member countries must coordinate with each other in forming connectivity chains for all textile subsectors including fiber, weaving, dyeing, and sewing. The stakeholders in ASEAN should share experiences among their businesses, to expand the textile and garment market within the AFTEX bloc and help firms develop sustainably and adopt green practices.
Other representatives of AFTEX member associations pointed out impacts of disease outbreaks and the Russia – Ukraine conflict have been changing consumer trends and demand. At the same time, logistics costs and fuel prices have increased sharply. The inflation impact has forced consumers to shift from fast fashion to sustainable apparel. These factors are also producers’ shift production according to consumers’ demand.
The presidency of AFTEX for 2023-24 at the meeting was assumed by Tan Kim Teck Albert, Chairman of the Textile, Apparel, Footwear and Travel Goods Association in Cambodia./.
