Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — Representatives of a group of 35 Saudi fashion designers showed up at a JCCI press conference here on Sunday to demand the creation of a committee where they can exchange experience, help ease difficulties and start new projects in this sector. Omaymah Azzouz, managing director of Fiore boutique and one of the 35 women who took this initiative, told Saudi Gazette that they already have a plan for the new institute. “We just need government support. We can train Saudi females and create a Saudi brand that can represent the Kingdom worldwide. We need support from the JCCI to provide a location and machines. We will run the place and provide qualified staff for training purposes,” she explained. Mohyi Al-Deen Hakami, an aide to the JCCI secretary general, said that they will study the demand. “We do not want to take a decision based on an emotional cause. We want to take a wise decision,” he said. The JCCI press conference was to announce the modalities of Saudi Arabia's Premiere International Exhibition for Apparel, Machinery, Clothing, Printing and Accessories (Textile Arabia). It will be organized by the JCCI in partnership with Al-Harthi Exhibition Center and Al-Naseej Al-Arabi Company. Mohammad Al-Shihri, head of the textile committee, said the sector could not develop in Saudi Arabia due to a number of factors. The primary cause, believed Al-Shihri, was the domination of expatriate workers in the sector making it difficult for Saudis to compete. Transportation was another hampering factor as most of the factories are outside the city limits. Abdullah Al-Iraqi, representative of Al-Naseej Al-Arabi Company, said that their company will provide needed support to the distinguished ideas coming either from the small businesses or productive families hoping to invest in this sector. “We will create a hashtag on Twitter and will welcome all ideas. With the cooperation of the JCCI we will select the ideas that needed support,” said Al-Iraqi. The six-day exhibition starting March 25 will have products from 120 companies in different countries including Germany, France, Italy, Pakistan, Malaysia, United States and UAE, among others.
