The following is a roundup of apparel and footwear news from the world’s local media. just-style has not checked these stories so cannot guarantee their accuracy.

  • Taiwanese garment maker Makalot Industrial Co has won its first order from a top Chinese garment brand. The order from Metersbonwe is worth US$930,000, and has prompted Makalot to seek additional business from the Chinese market. The company is also expanding its sales channels in the US and Europe where it supplies retailers including Kohl’s, Target, Wal-Mart, Zara and H&M. CHINA ECONOMIC NEWS SERVICE
  • Japanese textile and garment firms are showing a growing interest in relocating their production bases to Thailand as a result of a rise in industrial unrest in factories in China. Akikazu Shimomura, the president of the Japan Textile Federation (JTF), apparently said Thailand has a greater competitive edge over Vietnam, Indonesia and Bangladesh because of its superior production and design skills. BANGKOK POST
  • Italian fashion retailer Benetton has closed its 13 stores in Romania, leaving just three in the country which are operated under franchise. ChemCo, the company’s agent in Romania, Hungary and Bulgaria, shut down the last of its stores in Romania in June. Benetton also operates a production facility in Iasi which is managed by Benrom. ZIARUL FINANCIAR
  • Italy’s financial police, the Guardia di Finanza (GDF), has discovered widespread tax evasion by Chinese textile companies in the country who have avoided paying around EUR300m (US$400m) in taxes. The scam was discovered when the GDF launched investigations into the use of clandestine workers. Around 1,200 Chinese companies were found to be involved. TAX-NEWS.COM
  • Indian trade body the All India Textile Manufacturers’ Association (FAITMA) plans to fast-track economic ties with Pakistan. The federation is taking a textile delegation to Pakistan, and has invited local businessmen to visit India, to forge better relations between the two countries. It sees potential to exports Indian suits, shirts and dress material to Pakistan, and Pakistani denim to India. TECOYA TREND
  • Textile makers in Taiwan and China who are also seeking closer ties have taken part in a forum in Taipei organised by the Taiwan Textile Research Institute (TTRI) and the China National Textile and Apparel Council (CNTAC). China is the largest trading partner for Taiwan’s textile manufacturers, accounting for 36% of exports in 2009. While China has huge production capabilities, Taiwan has expertise in processing, supply chain management and dealing with foreign customers. THE CHINA POST