Program for Expanding Apparel Exports, Technical Assistance Performed November/December 2014

The program aimed to identify and support export-ready apparel manufacturers in these countries. In November 2014, the Trade Hub's Apparel Value Chain Specialist (AVCS) undertook an exploratory trip to Cote d'Ivoire and Benin to assess the potential for apparel exports. The trip to Cote d'Ivoire identified two export-ready apparel companies, O'sey and Pur Coton, and a third company, Yakice, which may be ready to export in the future. Two other companies, Seritex and another semi-vertical company, employ a significant number of workers and have the potential to become export-ready. The Chamber of Commerce in Cote d'Ivoire requested the Trade Hub to prepare an apparel export strategy to be incorporated into its National Plan. In Ghana, the new Association of Ghana Apparel Manufacturers (AGAM) was registered, and its executives were elected. The Trade Hub's apparel team attended the MOTI Stakeholders meeting, where they presented the proposed National Apparel Strategy activities and selected representatives to speak on behalf of the association. The team also held a meeting with Growth Mosaic, one of the Trade Hub's Finance Access Facilitators, to discuss potential financial needs of apparel manufacturers in Ghana. The COTVET training grant for DTRT Apparel was approved, and MOTI informed the Trade Hub and AGAM representatives that there would be an Apparel Export Strategy Validation meeting after the AVCA's departure. MOTI took note of the apparel team's inputs and incorporated them into the MOTI's Apparel Gap/Needs Analysis and work plan, which will be implemented by MOTI and other government agencies. The Trade Hub's apparel team also held meetings with government institutions in Cote d'Ivoire, including the Chamber of Commerce, which requested the Trade Hub to prepare an apparel export strategy. In Benin, one company, ANC, is expected to have 250 modern industrial sewing machines installed by the end of the year and workers trained to run them until April/June 2015, and be ready to export. The program's activities were carried out in collaboration with various stakeholders, including government institutions, apparel manufacturers, and finance access facilitators. The program's goal is to support the growth of the apparel sector in Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, and Benin and to identify and support export-ready apparel manufacturers in these countries. The Trade Hub's apparel team will continue to follow up on the company profiles yet to be submitted and will work with the government agencies to implement the MOTI's Apparel Gap/Needs Analysis and work plan. The program's activities will be ongoing, and the Trade Hub will continue to support the growth of the apparel sector in these countries. The program's success will depend on the collaboration and commitment of all stakeholders involved, including government institutions, apparel manufacturers, and finance access facilitators. The program's goal is to create a sustainable and competitive apparel sector in Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, and Benin, which will contribute to the economic development of these countries. The program's activities will be monitored and evaluated regularly to ensure that the program is meeting its objectives and to identify areas for improvement. The program's success will be measured by the number of export-ready apparel manufacturers identified and supported, the increase in apparel exports, and the creation of jobs in the sector. The program's long-term goal is to create a sustainable and competitive apparel sector in Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, and Benin, which will contribute to the economic development of these countries. The program's success will depend on the collaboration and commitment of all stakeholders involved, and the program will continue to work towards achieving its objectives.