Malaysia: Fashion Designers Can Go Global Via Retail Channel

KUALA LUMPUR, June 6 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's fashion designers and entrepreneurs need to capitalise on the retail channel in order to enter the global market, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) Lifestyle Unit Director Abu Bakar Yusof said. He said this would be an effective strategy for them to strengthen their position in domestic and international markets. “MATRADE is always willing to help young fashion designers through capacity building and export promotion activity. "Through MATRADE, young talents will get important information such as access to international market, market intelligence, global collaboration opportunities and the chance to create an ideal business network in developing their business operations," he said in a statement Monday. Retail brands such as Parkson, Metrojaya, Isetan and Gulatis are able to provide a platform for local designers to introduce their brands in China, India, as well ASEAN and European countries. Abu Bakar said the export of textiles, clothing and footwear rose 5.15 per cent to RM13.88 billion (US$1 = RM4.26) in 2016 from RM13.21 billion in 2015. The involvement of the retail brands will encourage small and medium enterprises to enhance their contribution to the country’s exports from 17 per cent to 23 per cent in 2020, he added. -- BERNAMA⁠⁠⁠⁠