SGS Conducts Panel Forum on Southeast Asian Sourcing at MAGIC Tradeshow

PRLog (Press Release) - Oct. 11, 2012 - MAGIC is the semiannual tradeshow for the apparel, accessories and footwear industry that brings together the largest and most influential network of buyers, retailers, brands and suppliers. From August 21-22, 2012, SGS Consumer Testing Services sponsored two well attended panel forums addressing the challenges and solutions for sourcing and supply chain management.

"ASEAN: Southeast Asia is Your Next Sourcing Hot Spot", a panel discussion moderated by Katherine Stein, SGS Director of International Softlines Business Development, focused on the intricacies of sourcing through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Panelists included the industry insiders Joe McConnell from The Jones Group,Tanjila Islam from Tiger Trade, and Tom Travis, managing partner at Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg.

The panel forumexamined the ongoing Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations and provided perspective on the re-opening of trade between the United States and ASEAN (http://www.aseansec.org/). Historically, such trade agreements have had positive business results and, if passed, could create excellent benefits for the apparel industry considering that the timing is ideal for investing in relationships and expanding capabilities.

Panelists discussed the pros and cons of sourcing from Southeast Asia and shared insight about how enhancing the growth in this region provides a viable alternative to China."This session was about empowering the industry with an expert perspective on sourcing in the ASEAN region," said Stein. "It's an emerging sourcing market that offers many advantages to U.S. buyers, including competitive labor rates, a skilled workforce, high production efficiency and international trade incentives. I'm pleased that this presentation was able to provide must-have information regarding a critical business decision and offered an opportunity to speak with factory contacts face-to-face."

Moreover, Stein served as an expert panelist at the seminar "Sourcing Bootcamp" and provided the must-know facts for successful supply-chain management in the apparel sourcing arena. Stein discussed several safeguard activities to help manage import risk and ensure that products meet brand specifications and client standards regardless of where they are produced.

About SGS Softlines

SGS Global Softlines(http://www.sgs.com/softlines) has an extensive network of over 30 laboratories worldwide, with a strong team of committed professionals from multi-disciplinary backgrounds. Our internationally accredited state-of-the-art testing laboratories offer a comprehensive range of physical, chemical and functional testing services for components, materials and finished products. We help your company ensure quality, performance and compliance with international, industrial and regulatory standards worldwide. We understand sustainability is an integral part of doing businesses. With our global reach, local market knowledge and harmonized approach, brands, retailers & manufacturers trust us to deliver hassle-free, safe and expedient solutions throughout the textile and footwear supply chain, from raw materials to finished products on the shelf.

For information on Southeast Asian Sourcing please contact the SGS experts.

Contact details:

SGS Consumer Testing Services
Karen E. Kyllo, Ph.D.
Deputy Vice President, Global Softlines
SGS North America Inc.
291 Fairfield Avenue, Fairfield, New Jersey, 07004

t +1 973 461 7934
Email: cts.media@sgs.com
Website: http://www.sgs.com/pages/consumer-testing/sgs-consumer-go...

SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With 70,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1,350 offices and laboratories around the world.

Photo:
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