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Newsletter – April 2005

WE ARE STILL THERE...

...but there are some important changes. Let's talk first of our friends south of the Canadian border, our friends the Americans.

M. Harvey Penner, president and C.E.O. of Tricot Richelieu Inc. and Chairman of the Canadian Textiles Institute, wrote an open letter to the Prime-Minister of Canada - http://www.thrc-crhit.org/en/thrcnews/archives/2005/2005_ed_penner-en.pdf; a very nice letter relating the latest developments of our relations with the Americans... We know that Mr. Penner must be politically correct because the CTI continues its negotiations with the Canadian government, and he himself with the Americans. It still reminds us of the timber and the $5 billions the Americans owe us!

They (the Americans) are so protectionist that our industry will be dead before the end of the year. It costs 8% (yarn) to 38% (garments) to ship to the U.S., besides the compensation for the Canadian dollar rise. It is impossible for Canadians to sell to our American friends in these conditions, with the result that each week, a new Canadian manufacturer closes! Is this free trade?


China

DFor the past year now, Groupe Textile has been talking to you of China in each of their "Newletter" editions (see archives), but, moderately; today, we urge you to climb on the bandwagon now before you are completely shut down!

Specialized assistance to sell in China or to buy from China

Now, 3 groups of independant consultants set up in China with each their team of textiles and/or garment specialists.

• They identifiy partners for you
  
• They organise visits for you in China plus the logistics, translating services, and negotiating assistance.
  
• They coordinate the imports or exports for the Canadian businesses.
  

We have tried out this method and already, many mandates are nearing realization and it works!

You may know manufacturers who need this help or you may be this manufacturer, call us at (450) 372-3417 and we will pay you a visit.

We also have networks in other parts of Asia.


Commercial Support Services

In order to help the textile industry reposition itself strategically towards a value-added market, the CTT Group (Centre for textile technology) launched ExperTex. This service receives financial support and it offers a variety of solutions under different themes: diagnostic, strategic positioning and marketing support. Approximately fifty specialized consultants, of whom many come from Groupe Textile, are available to businesses who would like to take advantage of ExperTex services. This service is offered thanks to the financial collaboration of government partners such as Industry Canada, Canada Economic Development, and the Ministrère du Développement économique et régionale et de la recherche du Québec:
http://www.groupecttgroup.com/index.php?module=CMS&func=view&id=44


New measures to increase competitiveness
of the textile and apparel industries

In June 2004, the Government of Canada introduced CANtex, a new three-year $26,7 million initiative to help Canadian textile manufacturing firms become more competitive.

Six mois plus tard, des modifications sont apportées à ce programme dont l'affectation, au cours de 5 prochaines années, d'une somme additionnelle de 50 millions de dollars.

Six months later, changes were made to this program, of which an additional funding of $50 million was provided by the Government of Canada to the Textile Production Efficiency Component (CANtex).

If you would like to know more about this program or to find out if your company qualifies for CANtex funding, here is the address: http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/inctp-ptc.nsf/fr/Home


Gate mode textile becomes Action mode textile

Last November, we spoke to you of a matchmaking event between the textile and the garment industry. This event will take place next May 16th at the NATS 2005 at the Palais des Congrès in Montreal.

Also, this group is presently recruiting new members. In short, plenty of energy and a lot of activities!


60 years of textile education, come & celebrate!

A big celebration is being organized to gather together all the former students from the Textiles Institute and former students from the textile option of the Cegep de St-Hyacinthe.

Already two hundred people have registered; to celebrate with us next May 7th, contact Mr. Denis Paquet at dpaquet@cegepsth.qc.ca.


And who will take over?

You may be aware that the registration for new students in textile resulted in ONE registration!

To compensate for this, you also know that Groupe Textile has over 1500 textile specialists in their banks.

Call upon our Human Resources service for any type of recruitment; a specialised team can also assist you in the evaluation and hiring of groups of hourly employees.

We can also help you with job transition programs for some of your staff.


We would like to thank all those who sent us comments. We encourage you to continue.


Laurent & Jeanne