Asia Fashion Federation extends its role

Asia Fashion Federation extends its role

PHUSADEE ARUNMAS

The Asia Fashion Federation, which represents organisations from five countries including Thailand, has announced that it will extend its activities beyond textiles to cover lifestyle products.

Secretary-general Yodsapon Kijkusol said expanding to cover products such as leather goods, jewellery and decorative items would promote links among related industries and foster new joint ventures, data connections and fashion trends.

Mr Yodsapon added that the move would also help the industry grow and increase channels in marketing and sales.

The Asia Fashion Federation held a forum on Wednesday as part of the Bangkok International Fashion Fair and Bangkok International Leather Fair 2008 (BIFF & BIL 2008). The event at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center (Bitec) in Bang Na is open to trade visitors today and to the general public tomorrow and Sunday.

BIFF & BIL 2008 is positioned as a leading regional sourcing and networking platform for local and overseas fashion trade professionals. It aims to cover Thailand's fashion and leather business across design, manufacturing and merchandising.

Commerce Minister Chaiya Sasomsap said the ministry was confident that Thailand's fashion, textile and garment exports would grow at least 10% this year to US$7.83 billion.

Market growth is particularly rapid in Europe, Asia, China and Asean, he said.