Unfair competition from products imported from countries that exploit low-paid labor is one of the concerns of the Brazilian fashion sector. The statement was made by Hildegard Angel, coordinator of the Zuzu Angel Fashion Committee of the Business Council for Culture of the Commercial Association of Rio de Janeiro (ACRJ), speaking to industry leaders at an event held in the capital of Rio.
Hildegard Angel opened a seminar promoted by ACRJ, whose purpose was to discuss the problems faced by the national fashion production chain. In 2012, the sector's turnover reached R $ 140 billion, placing Brazil in the eighth position in the world ranking.
Hildegard addressed the role of fashion as a driver of the country's economic development, with emphasis on fashion exports from the state of Rio de Janeiro.
She suggested the establishment of policies that defend the national labor and industry and that favor the productive sector and not only the financial sector.
For the coordinator, the policy that saves national production is that of the lowest interest rates. In addition, he suggested that the government should be attentive to policies that establish free trade with third countries, without paying taxes, “because all of this brings down Brazilian industry”.
Fashion exports in the state of Rio de Janeiro broke a historical record last year, reaching 15% of the total Brazilian sector foreign sales, with a high average export price.
Source: RAC Campinas SP 11/10/2014