Prime Source Forum cemented its position as one of the most influential gatherings in the apparel and footwear supply chain industry. Over 300 executives and senior stakeholders came together in Hong Kong for the 11th forum.
The event was officially opened by Hon. Gregory So Kam-leung, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, the Government of Hong Kong. Hon. So highlighted key developments, such as the ‘One Belt, One Road’ policy which he believes will transform how companies do business with China over the next 10 years.
Mr. Martin Keil, Managing Director of Yeh Shen Ltd, the organiser of Prime Source Forum, said, “We are exceptionally delighted with the calibre of speakers, depth of discussion and the overwhelmingly positive feedback we received from the delegates. We look forward to hosting another successful Prime Source Forum in March 2017.”
The keynote speech on the opening day by Mr. Tino Zeiske, Senior Vice President for Corporate Responsibility at METRO GROUP underscored the pivotal role the private sector can play in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. Mr. Zeiske outlined METRO GROUP’s progressive role in supporting the United National Global Goals and the UN’s sustainability agenda.
The final keynote address was delivered by Dr. Arkebe Oqubay, Minister and Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Ethiopia. Dr. Arkebe discussed Ethiopia’s rapid emergence as a competitive global sourcing hub. He highlighted mega developments, such as the 1.3 million m2 Hawassa Industrial Park geared for the textile, apparel and leather industries and Ethiopia’s highly competitive and fast growing labour force.
“Delegates attend Prime Source Forum to stay abreast of trends and hot button issues, network with peers and make business contacts. From new technology, sustainability frameworks for collaboration, trade policy and the transparency agenda, this year’s forum focussed on the issues that matters most to decision makers in the sector,” concluded Keil.
Participating companies at Prime Source Forum 2016 included organisations, such as adidas, ALDI, Clarks, Coats, Columbia, Cotton Council, Covestro, Crocs, Dassault Systemes, EastMax, GAFTI, Groz Beckert, H&M, HEMA, InvestHK, Kiabi, Komar, Kopenhagen Fur, LF Sourcing, METRO, Michael Kors, New Balance, Primark, PVH, Quiksilver, Ralph Lauren, SAC, Sears, Target, Tesco, the UN and VF Corporation.
Prime Source Forum 2017 will take place in Hong Kong once again in March 2017.
Press release
Prime Source Forum
5 May 2016, Hong Kong