The fifth annual Prime Source Forum, organised by APLF and set up to discuss challenges and opportunities in the apparel industry, focuses on the aftermath of the economic downturn.
Michael Duck, a director of APLF, says this year's forum will focus on the effects the world financial crisis is having on the industry and the steps it is taking in the worldwide drive to make manufacturing and retailing more sustainable.
This year, there are more than 60 senior executives representing the global apparel industry attending the forum, with about 400 participants from all areas in the apparel industry and supply chain.
Considering the economic downturn, the organiser is surprised by the increase of participants this year. 'In view of the crisis, we were anticipating a reduction of delegates coming from overseas as most organisations are cutting down on corporate spending. But the number of registered delegates is higher than last year so, clearly, the forum is still seen as a must-attend event by many of the movers and shakers in this industry across the world,' Duck says.
Professor Helmut Merkel, manager and shareholder of EurAsia Global Concept who is a speaker on the second day, says the forum has become a 'brand'.
'It is a meeting venue for retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers, and is highly accepted by the whole industry because of its sharp profile,' he says.