What advantages does the ASEAN region offer customers and suppliers?
ASEAN is home to some of the world’s leading textile and garment producers. The region has a culture of cooperation and service, and is moving towards economic integration. By 2010, seven of ASEAN’s ten member countries will have eliminated duties and tariffs on textile and apparel products, and by 2012, all members will have eliminated duties and tariffs. Because ASEAN is already achieving regional economic integration and integrating its textile sectors, creation of full-service textile and apparel alliances can be fast tracked through “virtual vertical factories” or VVFs. Why form VVFs? ASEAN includes some of the world’s most important garment factories, and several of its members have large garment industries. Even so most factories will not be able to provide all services or achieve speed to market standards if acting alone. Through SAFSA they will be able to form virtual vertical factories with downstream material suppliers and other upstream suppliers in order to provide particu
