Created in 1973, twice a year, Prèmiere Vision brings together all the players in raw materials and services for the production of apparel, bags, shoes and jewellery to effectively assist fashion professionals develop their collections and accelerate their business. On 5-7 July 2022, representatives of the Mongolian wool and cashmere industry, including Dr. U. Sarangoo and Mrs. B. Dulguun, team members of the EU funded SWITCH-Asia Sustainable Textile Production and Eco Labeling (STeP EcoLab) project implemented by Agronomes et Vétérinaires Sans Frontieres (AVSF) and Mongolian key partners, joined the exhibition that took place in Paris. This SWITCH-Asia project responds to the challenges and difficulties faced by Mongolian herders and strengthens the capacities of the country’s processing industries to meet international buyers’ expectations (both in terms of quality management and sustainability).
Distinguished guests who attended from Mongolia included: Mr. M. Dondogdorj, Head of the Light Industry Policy Implementation Department of the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry; Mrs. D. Altantsetseg, Executive Director of Mongolian Wool and Cashmere Association (MWCA); Mrs. B. Battsetseg, Head of the Certification Department; Dr. Ts. Enkh-Amgalan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Mongolian National Federation of Pasture User Groups of Herders (NFPUG) and Mrs. Ts. Altantuya, Director of the National Association of Mongolian Agricultural Cooperatives.
The SWITCH-Asia STeP EcoLab team has strongly supported Mongolian sustainable textile companies to prepare for the Premiere Vision 2022 Exhibition in Paris. As a result, these companies were able to effectively demonstrate their ability to compete internationally with genuine, authentic, traceable Mongolian cashmere products in foreign markets. Ten companies championing sustainability in the sector, namely, Gobi Corporation, Cashmere Holding, Snow Fields, Khanbogd Cashmere, Nans Cashmere, Munkhbumuud, Gobi-Erdene Cashmere, Gurvan Sor, Uguuj Shim, and Goyol Cashmere introduced and promoted Mongolian wool and cashmere products to major foreign brands and buyers.
Over 400 participants visited the Mongolian exhibition booth and recognised the country’s achievements and efforts to develop sustainable production across the value chain, from the herder’s field to consumers’ hands (learn more). The Government’s commitment to develop policies directed towards the promotion of sustainable consumption and production (SCP) practices in line with global standards was also showcased. Of particular interest to visitors were the national standards: MNS 6891:2020 “Responsible Nomads”, MNS 6926:2021 "Guidelines for Sustainable Textile Production", and the demonstration of the animal raw material tracking system /RMTS/. Representatives of the industry attended workshops and talks on sustainability, footprint and eco-certification in the wool and cashmere sector, explored opportunities to join the next exhibition and learned about yarn, fabric and color trends for 2023-2024. Individuals and organisations also expressed interest in cooperating with Mongolian factories in the future.
Strengthening Economic and Business Relations Between Mongolia and Italy
High-level meetings were organised, including a visit to Italy that was attended by a Delegation led by Mr. B. Purevdorj, Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Mongolian-Italian Parliamentary Friendship Group, and representatives of the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry, Mongolian Wool and Cashmere Association (MWCA), the Mongolian Sustainable Finance Association and the manufacturers of Mongolian wool and cashmere. Delegates met with Mr. Ettore Rosato, Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives, one of the highest legislative bodies of the Republic of Italy, among others. A series of business meetings were also held with representatives of state-owned and private companies such as the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers (ACIMIT), its member organisations and loan guarantee, financial SACE group, European Brokers Assicurazioni Srl company and SIMEST of the savings and loan group.
Loro Piana SpA Group and Falconeri Srl Company, some of the best brands of the Italian knitting and textile industry, shared good practices and introduced the advanced technology used in their production activities.
The EBA Financial Company, officially accredited by the SACE Group under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Italy expressed its interest in cooperating with the Mongolian Wool and Cashmere Association by signing a Memorandum of Understanding to identify optimal financing solutions for the implementation of the medium and long-term programme for the development of the wool and cashmere industry in Mongolia. Representatives held an official meeting with the management team of companies such as Autefa - Octir and Bigagli, leading brands of Italian textile equipment production, and agreed to cooperate in the supply of equipment that is needed by Mongolian wool and cashmere industry companies and enterprises.
In this context, Italian financial guarantee groups and companies, SACE, SIMEST, and EBA, also discussed loans of up to 5 million euros for each purchase on preferential terms for a period of 3-5 years.
