Speech by Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr. Lim Hng Kiang, at the Opening Ceremony of JIAM 2008, at the Singapore Expo, on 13 May 2008 at 10.00am

Mr. Yoshihiro Yasui, Chairman of the Japan Sewing Machinery Manufacturers Association,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning, it is my pleasure to be here at the opening of the International Apparel Machinery Trade Show 2008, or JIAM 2008.

Organized by the Japan Sewing Machinery Manufacturers Association (JASMA), JIAM is the third largest event in the world for apparel manufacturers and we are delighted with JASMA’s selection of Singapore as the host venue.

JIAM 2008 will showcase cutting-edge machinery and equipment from the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers which provide highly-innovative technologies for the fast evolving needs of the textile and apparel industry. New business models depicting future developments in the sewing, textile and apparel industries will also be presented at the international symposium to give visitors a glimpse into the future.

Given its high appeal and its focus on the Asian garment and textile markets which has shown tremendous growth and potential in recent years, this event is expected to attract over 20,000 visitors including overseas participants from Asia, Europe and the US. These visitors will enjoy the opportunity of tapping into key regional markets by capitalizing on Singapore’s strategic location in the heart of Asia.

Indeed, Asia is in the vanguard of the global textile and apparel industry. With the shift of manufacturing activities to the region to meet the challenges of the competitive global market-place, Asia alone accounts for the majority of the global production.[1] According to the leading publication, Asian Textile Business, the world's five leading exporters of apparel in 2006 were China, followed by Hong Kong, Turkey, Mexico and India. These five countries accounted for 43 per cent of total global apparel exports. Asian countries continue to lead global apparel exports, and account for a share of around 50 per cent [2].

Countries such as China, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Vietnam, and Cambodia have increased their production tremendously. As these countries focus on apparel export to the U.S. and Europe, there will be an increase in demand for value-added products that offer quality design and functionality, leading to a corresponding rise in demand for the latest apparel machinery.

Leveraging Singapore’s strategic location and excellent connectivity, JASMA aims to position JIAM 2008 as a bridge that links Asian exporters to the global apparel market. JASMA also envisages setting up a new business base in Singapore, providing easy access to the Asian market for its members.

Indeed, Singapore’s own textile & apparel industry stands to gain from the JIAM show. Singapore’s textile and apparel industry currently comprises some 600 firms and employs 8,000-9,000 workers.

To leverage on lower production costs and proximity to raw materials, most of our textile and apparel manufacturers have set up manufacturing operations overseas, in countries such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Bangladesh and Egypt. At the same time, they continue to undertake sample production, supply chain management, merchandising, regional management and design functions in Singapore. This allows them to effectively engage the major global buying houses, retailers, equipment suppliers, logistics companies and other major business partners that are using Singapore as the base to operate in Asia.

Improving competitiveness and productivity is a continuous challenge faced by manufacturers. Companies can do so by adopting better technologies, using more advanced manufacturing equipment, improving manufacturing processes, enhancing supply chain integration and upgrading workers’ skills.

An event like JIAM will introduce our industry to innovative technological advancements and solutions which will strengthen their business operations and enhance their competitive edge. I encourage the textile and apparel industry to take advantage of the JIAM 2008 to see how they can improve their operations with the latest technological innovations in manufacturing technology.

Lastly, I would like to congratulate JASMA on the successful staging of JIAM 2008 in Singapore. And to all delegates and visitors, besides wishing you a fruitful time at the event and an enjoyable stay in Singapore, may I encourage you to take some time off to also experience Singapore’s unique blend of tourism offerings, including our many attractions, exciting nightlife and colourful ethnic districts. Thank you.

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[1] Source: SPRING Singapore