S&T Country Report - Albania - WBC-INCO Net

Name of
initiative:
Apparel Cluster (AC)
Contact: Not available
Email: Not available
Website: http://www.mca.org.mk/index_en.htm
The Apparel Cluster (AC) is focusing on pulling out of the CMT (Cut, Make&Trim)
System of operation by improving the flexibility of their own production, restoring the
local production of fabrics, developing Macedonian proprietary designs and brands,
and attracting foreign direct investments. Apparel Cluster’s members are working
together to build a competitive advantage for the industry based on improving its
manufacturing capability (i.e. moving from CM to CMT and “Full Package” and “owndesign”
exports), increasing the flexibility of its manufacturing capability, creating
proprietary designs, and developing strong Macedonian brands to allow Macedonian
apparel to compete and win against lower cost competitors from Asia.
The Apparel Cluster Leadership Council (CLC) made the first step toward Cluster
sustainability with the merger of the Textile Trade Association (TTA) and the Apparel
Cluster (AC). Discussion of the Cluster’s sustainability began at the CLC’s instigation,
not MCA’s. In December 2005, some 120 industry representatives attended a
meeting, where the Apparel CLC announced the merger and presented a 2006 work
plan. The new organization aims to establish itself as a self-sustainable and
professional trade association for the industry, with annual membership fees (100 €
per year per member).
Many of the cluster activities have already contributed to the industry and TTA-AC
self-sustainability. Thus, through the National Entrepreneurship & Competitiveness
Council, the cluster successfully lobbied to have a customs law changed that taxed
imported inputs used for exported finished goods. Cluster members took part in
seminars to learn how the new law would affect them and worked with Customs
officials on a pilot to test the new system that would be in place in 2006.
Industry/Sector (technology area): Textile industry
International activities: MCA connected the Cluster with CBI, the Dutch Agency for
Promotion of Imports from developing countries.
As stated in the ‘Report on the implementation of the programme for promotion of
entrepreneurship and competitiveness in the small business sector of the Republic of
Macedonia’ (2006), the Agency for Promotion of Entrepreneurship of the Republic of
Macedonia (APERM), made initial analysis with domestic and foreign experts to
investigate the possibilities for establishment of the Agro-Cluster and the Cluster
for Construction Materials and Equipment. According to the studies done, the
definitive establishment and operation of the Agro-Cluster is more realistic than the
cluster for construction materials and equipment.
page 17/MKD