I was privileged to have been commissioned by the ITC / UK Trade Partnership (UKTP) Programme to carry out a field mission in #madagascar . My recently completed mission was to assess the current conditions, required improvements and challenges facing the Malagasy apparel industry and providing strategic recommendations. Over the past two years I have been working online with a group of leading Malagasy apparel companies in a “Lean manufacturing improvement programme”. But there is a massive difference between working online and working in the field. The ITC/UKTP mission has been a far more effective way to observe, evaluate and make recommendations. The Malagasy apparel industry has enormous potential to become a major producer in the global apparel market. Workers possess amazing dexterity and are willing to learn. Equally important, management is flexible, eager to engage and adopt the necessary changes required in order to overcome the enormous challenges that face the entire industry. With this modern mindset steering the Malagasy apparel industry, the future looks promising. My thanks to all key stakeholders, especially ITC / UKTP national coordinator Tahiry Rajaonarimanana for his participation and for making my work more efficient and memorable.
