Fourteen large and medium apparel companies from Mauritius are participating in the forthcoming edition of Première Vision Manufacturing which is being held from 15 to 17 September in Paris.

Mauritius is at its sixteenth participation in this fair and will be present in the manufacturing, knitwear as well as the denim corners of the fair.

Première Vision Manufacturing (previously known as Zoom by Fatex) is an international fair held twice yearly and is considered as a 'must participate' fair by local textile operators.

It represents one of the most appropriate platforms for Mauritian enterprises to showcase products and establish new contacts with French and European buyers. More than 7,000 visitors are expected for this edition.

The main objectives behind participation in this exhibition are market consolidation, market expansion and enhancing the visibility of Mauritius as a sourcing destination of choice with regard to textile and apparel.

Mauritius has benefitted a lot in terms of contacts and orders from this particular fair. France is one of the main markets where Mauritius is exporting a wide range of products, textile and apparel, jewellery, agro products and rhum, amongst others.

Total exports to France declined from Rs 7.8 billion in 2011 to Rs 7.4 billion in 2013 but have picked up in 2014 registering a 19% increase.

As at today, Europe represents 45% of our total exports for textile and apparel, out of which Rs 3.8 billion were exported to France in 2014.