Mohannad Sharawi Saudi Gazette Jeddah — The market volume of the readymade garments in the Kingdom is estimated at SR 8 billion, Mazen Batarji, deputy chairman Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industries (JCCI) said here Tuesday. “The Saudi market imports over 85000 tons of readymade garments per annum with 90% of the total imports from European states such as Italy, France, Taiwan, China and others Asian states,” he said. “Imports from Arab countries like Syria and Egypt constitute 10% of the total imports.” The Minister was speaking at the concluding function of the four-day maiden international exhibition “Moda Expo” on readymade garments, textiles and fashion held at Jeddah Hilton. Some 80 Saudi and international companies specialized in the manufacture of ready-made garments participated in the exhibition which was inaugurated Saturday by Mazen Batarji, deputy chairman Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industries (JCCI). “Trade fairs are organized to lend support to the economic and investment cooperation between the Kingdom and other countries,” Batarji said. “They go a long way in increasing the trade volume between the Kingdom and the participant countries.” He said that Jeddah is becoming a hub of economic activities these days offering a unique chance to assemble local and international businesses under a common roof. “Local, Syrian and Egyptian companies showcasing their latest garments for men, women and children besides sports products, enhances the economic activities amongst the participating countries.” Eng. Usama Kurdi head of the organizing company said that the event enabled the participants to look at the latest products from the Kingdom, Syria and Egypt. Mohammad Helmi chairman of the Syrian Exporters Association told the Okaz/Saudi Gazette that Chinese products flooding the Arab markets prompted them to register their presence in the exhibition. “I expect the exhibition would result in attracting more Saudi businessmen and textiles traders in future,” he said. “More deals and contracts in the offing between Saudi companies and Syrian counterparts to introduce Syrian products in the Kingdom.” Chinese products are the biggest competition nowadays which have reduced the Syrian production by a 30 percent, he said. __
