The VDMA member companies Trützschler, Groz-Beckert, Autefa Solutions Germany, Brückner Trockentechnik, Mahlo, Interspare, and Saueressig participated in the business delegation trip organised by the German-Colombian Chamber of Commerce (AHK) and actively supported by the VDMA.

Furthermore, the visits to the two large multi-level textiles manufacturers Artextil (design, textile printing, finishing) and FABRICATO (spinning, weaving preparation, weaving, finishing) provided insights on the state of the Colombian textiles and apparel sector.

Currently, the Colombian textiles industry employs 114,322 people, contributing 6.5% to the gross domestic product of the country. In addition to the import surplus of almost US$ 1.2 billion, the Colombian textiles and apparel sector is struggling primarily against illegal imports from Asia, which are countered by the government.

“The import of textile raw materials should be reduced through local production with the goal to increase quality, productivity and ultimately also export,” the association explains. “In 2016, the export ratio was a mere 15%. The security situation in the country has improved in recent years.”

www.vdma.org