NEW YORK — Looking to support companies that were adversely affected by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, the Japan External Trade Organization brought 16 textile and knitwear manufacturers to New York for a trade show held Jan. 18 and 19 at the Setai Fifth Avenue hotel here.
Shingo Nagai, director of business development at JETRO New York, said the aim of the event was to help these companies find customers in the U.S. and grow their global business relationships, while assisting in the overall earthquake recovery and reconstruction.
“In the future, JETRO will continue to help these Japanese businesses and other companies in Japan expand their business relationships with the U.S. in order to improve their economic development, which will assist them in recovering from this catastrophe,” Nagai said.
JETRO is a government-related organization that works to promote mutual trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world.
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About 50 buyers and designers attended the show, according to Nagai, who noted that the Council of Fashion Designers of America was a vital supporter, with every member of the CFDA receiving an invitation. A special guest was the Consulate-General of Japan in New York, Ambassador Shigeyuki Hiroki.
Firms such as Sato Seni Co. made sure their company’s yarn and knitwear were safe by testing the fabric for radioactivity. Organizers said several purchase contracts were signed and many contacts were made for possible future orders.
JETRO also sponsors trips for U.S. brands to visit Japanese regions and mills particular to their expertise. For example, a current trip has representatives of jeans firms AG Adriano Goldschmied and J Brand visiting companies in Okayama, which is known for its denim fabrics.