Czech textiles: Weaving a way out of recession
0 Comment(s)
Print
E-mail CNTV, October 30, 2012
To counter stagnating European markets, one Czech textile manufacturer is weaving a more lucrative future by creating fabrics for the African market. The company is producing brocades used by West Africans for religious and cultural ceremonies.
 |
|
The Czech economy may be stuck in recession, but one textile company, Veba's automatic weaving machines are working around the clock to meet the growing appetite for brocade in its major markets in Western Africa. |
The Czech economy may be stuck in recession, but one textile company, Veba's automatic weaving machines are working around the clock to meet the growing appetite for brocade in its major markets in Western Africa.
Josef Novak, Managing Director of Veba, said, "I think it is not surprising because the textile tradition here in the Czech Republic is really long and the Czech republic belongs among the top in textiles in Europe."
But with competition from cheaper Asian competitors, the risk of failure was growing for the company.
Veba decided to target wealthy Muslim consumers in Western African countries, and offer them an unmatched quality by using the centuries-old textile tradition from the Czech region.
Now the strategy has paid off, and the company's business is booming.
|
|
|
The Czech economy may be stuck in recession, but one textile company, Veba's automatic weaving machines are working around the clock to meet the growing appetite for brocade in its major markets in Western Africa. |
Today the Czech looms are busy weaving fabric ready for pilgrims from West Africa to wear to Mecca for the Hajj.
Up to 10 meters of the Czech white brocade is used for a traditional garment worn by the devout Muslim pilgrims. But that's not all.
Novak said, "In the past, it was a material used for extraordinary religious, community and family events. But in the last few years, it has been becoming the clothing for everyday use."
But despite recent successes, potential pitfalls do loom.
Unrest in Mali and on-going religious and ethnic tension in Nigeria have affected two key markets.
But the company is't just standing idly by. It's recently entered new markets in eastern Africa, and is planning further expansion in other Muslim nations outside the continent, including the Gulf.
Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)