Manufacturers of clothing for the embankments of the Cote d'Azur, Nice and chalets in the Swiss Alps gathered in the Russian capital on April 23 in Moscow, the Tunisian Fashion Days in Russia opened. The industry, which unites more than 1,600 companies, 83% of which work only for export, introduces Russian entrepreneurs to their best factories and brands.

The trade mission organized by the Tunisian Export Agency CEPEX and the Association RAFI with the support of the Tunisian Embassy in Russia, involves the largest manufacturers of women's, men's and children's clothing, underwear, denim and knitwear factories, such as Zen, ETC Group, Bacovet. The companies have brought their collections of the spring-summer 2018 and autumn-winter 2018/19 seasons.

10 Tunisian companies from various cities of the country (Korba, Sousse, Mahdia, La Shebba, Sfax, Beja, etc.) came to meet with potential customers, who presented their products and outsourcing services to Russian companies. During two days, it was possible to get acquainted with the assortment of the following directions: outerwear, denim, sports, men's, women's, children's clothing, accessories, underwear, corset, home underwear, swimwear, corporate and special clothing.

The presentation of national manufacturers was opened by the Ambassador of Tunisia to Russia, Mr. Mohammed Ali Shihi. "We are glad to welcome Tunisian manufacturers," he said, "and we hope to build a brand together."Made in Tunisia» in Russia». Tunisian light industry is a modern production, the oldest textile factory in the country opened in 1976. All production facilities are equipped with the latest technology, including laser printing equipment. On average, the annual output is about 1.5 million units. However, companies such as Zen produce more than 5 million finished products per year. In cities Monastir and El Fayya a textile cluster has been created, combining a business incubator, training, production and a center for technological resources. In 2016, the total volume of textile and clothing exports from Tunisia amounted to 2.3 billion. euro, and in 2017 increased by 16.4%.

The main thing that distinguishes local production is the clarity of management, transparency of all business processes, tight delivery times and high qualification of seamstresses. European companies actively participated in the creation of factories at the nascent stage of the industry, and so far many initiatives come from large customers from the Old World, for example, energy saving, waterless dyeing of fabrics, creating jobs for people with disabilities, etc. Orders from local factories are placed by such major players in the global fashion industry as Decathlon, Etam, Guess, Ted Baker, Diesel, Caroll, Devernois, American Vintage and others.

For entrepreneurs from Tunisia, the initiated trade mission also serves to get acquainted with the business climate of Russia. In Moscow, presentations were held on April 23 and 24 at the Radisson Slavyanskaya hotel, and on April 26 and 27 they will continue in St. Petersburg, where entrepreneurs are scheduled to meet with local buyers and owners of clothing brands.

Photo: Real Profit Group