Mounting competitive pressure from countries like China, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India has adversely affected the country's garment export markets.
However, Emirates Industrial Bank (EIB) studies assure that even with a significant drop in garment exports, the industry has the means to not only survive but also to prosper.
Tarek Abdullah, Manager, Transgulf explained, "Garment exporters cannot compete with companies in China, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh where cost of production is lower. They should focus on high-end products for which foreign buyers will be willing to pay a good price."
Meanwhile, there is a rising demand in the local markets that could make up for some part of loss from exports.
Global garment trade amounts US $800 billion, with the UAE's share being just 0.1 percent. At its zenith in 1997, garment exports were $250 million.
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