Proexport Colombia, Inexmoda to Showcase Colombia's Growing Textile and Clothing Industry in Chicago

CHICAGO, March 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- (Pxp) –Proexport Colombia today announced that it will be in Chicago, Illinois, on Monday, March 17, 2014, with Inexmoda, Colombia's Institute for Export and Fashion, to showcase the growth and benefits associated with the Colombian fashion sector. In Colombia, the textile and clothing industry represents more than 7.5 percent of manufacturing Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and .8 percent of overall domestic GDP.

"The growth of Colombia's fashion industry, including both the finished products and raw materials coming out of the country, represents our continued commitment to be in line with the trends and needs of international consumers," said Maria Claudia Lacouture, President of Proexport, the Colombian government agency charged with promoting trade, investment and tourism. "Colombia's fashion industry is recognized as a viable option for foreign investment due to our ability to operate in both a time efficient and flexible manner. We look forward to further relationship building opportunities within the Unites States while in Chicago."

In 2013, Colombia exported US$256,807,091 worth of fashion-related goods to the U.S., including more than US$5.4 million of yarn, more than US$14.7million of fabric and more than US$236 million of apparel.

Colombia and the U.S. have a symbiotic trade relationship, with Colombia also importing US$243,324,116 worth of fashion-related goods.

"The world economy is making great strides, in recent years focusing investor attention on new markets such as Latin America.  This is continued proof of the region's growth," said Carlos Eduardo Botero, President of Inexmoda. "The National Buyers and Investors Tour, including our stop in Chicago on March 17, is an opportunity for us to showcase the most powerful Colombian and Latin American brands."

The National Buyers and Investors Tour precedes Colombiamoda 2014 + Textiles2 + Modapara el Mundo, a major fashion industry event taking place in Medellín, Colombia from July 22–24, 2014. The fair will include the exhibition of finished products and raw materials and is expected to attract more than 1,780 international buyers from 50 countries and 6,400 national buyers.

The 25^th Annual Colombiamoda returns with three key pillars, including trade shows, runway trends and the Knowledge Pavilion.  This year it is expected to generate US$186 million worth of business opportunities. In its second year Textiles2, the specialized commercial platform for producers, textile and supply marketers and full–package suppliers, will feature 70 companies and is expected to generate US$46 million worth of business opportunities. Lastly, the Second Annual Modapara el Mundo fair serves as a means of establishing common objectives for the competitiveness, sustainability and innovation of the textile and clothing industry. As a commercial stage for the mass market of fashion, with a social focus, it is expecting more than 80 exhibitors. 

Colombia's textile and clothing industry generates 17 percent of the country's industrial employment opportunities. Additionally, clothing purchases made by Colombian households in January 2014 alone amounted to US$572.6 million. Both facts confirm the importance of the sector in the country.

For more information on Inexmoda and upcoming events, please visit http://www.inexmoda.org.co/.

About Proexport Colombia
Proexport is the Colombian Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism entity in charge of promoting Direct Foreign Investment (DFI) and international tourism toward Colombia and promoting the non–mining energy exports of the country.

About Inexmoda
Inexmoda is the Colombian institute that generates tools in research, marketing, innovation, training, internationalization and competitiveness for the Fashion System.  With 26 years of experience, it has a large portfolio of products and services aimed at strengthening the Fashion System enterprises.

SOURCE Proexport Colombia