KONFERENCE PER SHTYP
" This is an excellent occasion to see the development of the industry, which is not only façon processing but also full cycle, whether for the textile industry, leather processing, to footwear manufacturing. It is a unique example to show how the Support Package is working for this industry - Mr. Arben Ahmetaj, Minister of Economic Development, Tourism, Trade and Entrepreneurship Textile, Fashion Façon Expo, is the newest proposal of UFI member - Klik Ekspo Group (June 4th to June 6th, 2015 at the National Historical Museum), launched following the initiatives in favor of the sectors that provide long-term economic development and promote international co-operation, and was immediately embraced by the domestic and international actors. Over 155 entrepreneurs and fashion houses from Kosovo, Italy, Greece, Macedonia, France, Turkey, immediately embraced the initiative, keeping in mind the foresight and long-term development of the sector in Albania, which if not yet, will be soon transformed into the reference point for the entire SEE region: Participants that offer final products for the international brands, raw materials and technology, textiles and leather, professional marketing and management experiences, artistic skills, real-estate solutions etc., but above all, the readiness to work closely with Albanian manufacturers and investing in the country. The event saw a flow of around 15.000 visitors, out of which the largest percentage (60%) were trade Visitors, buyers and professional brokers.
As in all Klik Ekspo Group's events, Kosovo entrepreneurs presented concrete products and solutions. Organized under the auspices of Empower Private Sector program, textile and clothing manufacturing companies, fashion houses and designers from Kosovo exhibited in one of the most attractive segments not only on the pavilion's design perspective, but also by introducing a successful example of how domestic manufacturers with the necessary encouragement and support can become the generators of the development of particular sectors, creating employment and welfare for the involved areas and communities. The immediate feedback and dynamic participation of Kosovo entrepreneurs to Textile, Fashion Façon Expo shows once more the natural willingness of both parties for mutual and codeveloping investments.
Through a roundtable on "Fiscal package for 2016 for the façon industry, development vision and perspective ", initiated by AIDA and the National Chamber of the Garment and Footwear Manufacturers, all the actors that give their contribution in the industry, showed their committed to cooperate and promote the "Made in Albania" trademark. Through a special fund, the Agency supports the participation in international fairs, promoting Albanian business in international markets, and promoting Made in Albania exports. "Tax-profit which is already 15%, if you invest in equipment and technology in the industry, would then be zero. Every investment made in technology renovation, takes to a higher level the product quality, said Arben Peci, President of the National Chamber of Garment. B2B meetings and initiations for agreements between exhibitors:: Confrontation between the Albanian entrepreneurs and those arriving from Kosovo and Macedonia, has highlighted the difference between the structure of internal markets and different models of closed production cycle up to the production of own brand (as in Kosovo), the model that is being adopted by Albanian producers, too. Quoting the words of one of the exhibitors, through the complete cycle of "Made in Albania" products, the added value is multiplied four times and thus it remains in Albania.
Among the B2B meetings held during the days of the fair, we can distinguish the meetings held between textile producers and design companies, trading of textiles and finished products, packing and final products up to the methods of selling products online, realestate offers for renting premises for new businesses of this industry, in conformity with the facilities provided by the supporting fiscal packages. Future investors, apart of and meetings held at the exhibiting booths, have had the opportunity to visit Albanian enterprises during the working time, in order to get familiar with the environment, current technology used, working conditions of employees, etc., with similar investment goals and building collaborations with Albanian entrepreneurs in the future (such as, Tigamaro, Aspis Group, etc).
For the students of Textile Vocational schools the participation to the event was not only a stimulating experience, but was also regarded as direct contact with the future employment, and also the first selections for internship in the local and Kosovo companies and fashion houses. Among the most important investors in Albania, we can underline MARLOTEX company; Cotonella, Albdesign, Dimal, Gjergji H Tekstil, Blelor, etc.
A thrilling Expo: Fashion shows of local manufacturers and outstanding fashion houses, Pantomime and dance shows using the garments and uniforms manufactured in the country, festivals of DJ and VJ, were organized during the Grand Opening of the Show and during the days of the event. "Fifteen Shades of Grey" runway show, introduced by "Savage" Fashion House amazingly debuted on the Opening of "Textile, Façon, Fashion Expo" to showcase the latest trends and collection.