Multinational Apparel Conference Slated for Nicaragua
The first Apparel Conference of the Americas addressing issues concerning the Central American Free Trade Agreement and the apparel industry will be held June 5–7 at the Crowne Plaza Convention Center in Managua, Nicaragua.
The event is being coordinated by the American Apparel & Footwear Association, American Apparel Producers Network, Caribbean Central American Action, Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas, [TC]2 and ProNicaragua— Nicaragua’s investment promotion unit.
The purpose of the conference is to define a common agenda designed to increase competitiveness for apparel makers in Central America and the Dominican Republic.
“CAFTA represents a watershed opportunity for our region,” said Federico Sacasa, president of the Caribbean Central American Action. “By joining forces with the leading U.S.–based industry organizations, we will strengthen the private/public partnership that is needed to pursue the public policy changes required for the agreement’s implementation and to insure the industry’s future growth.”
Added Mike Fralix of [TC]2: “Since the majority of the apparel produced in the DR-CAFTA region is purchased by U.S. companies, it makes sense for the U.S. to drive the coordination of the region to the extent that it is possible. If we can partner as U.S.–based organizations to create a single event, then perhaps the region can do likewise. We all have a strong interest in the success of companies in the region.”
For more information, visit www.apparelandfootwear.org. —Robert McAllister
