TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras,
May 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --
Honduras is pursuing an ambitious
development plan focused on strengthening the textile industry,
according to government sources.
The Central American country has established itself as a leading
player in recent years, currently holding the spot as the second
largest exporter of textiles in the Americas, after Mexico.
Here we present the top five reasons why Honduras is on the path to becoming the leader
of the textile industry in the Americas.
1. Sustainability
The key to success for this
transformation is sustainability. The plan, a joint initiative of
the government and the private sector, seeks to position the
country as a leader in the Americas that pushes the frontier of
sustainability and innovation in textiles, raising the bar for
development and productivity in the industry. This is a critical
factor in the current global context where consumers, particularly
the younger generations, demand sustainable practices and supply
chain integrity throughout the production process.
2. Less environmental impact in textile
production
Honduras has
made large strides on environmental issues, following a business
model that seeks and achieves high quality processes. Focused on
the environment, Honduras has
invested heavily in technology to ensure the sustainability of all
manufacturing processes in the textile industry. For example, 100
percent of production plants treat water used in the fabric dyeing
process to reduce environmental impact. Additionally the industry
recycles more than 15 million pounds of salt per year used in the
dyeing process. More recently, production plants have started
adding new technologies to use recycled fibers.
3. Better labor conditions for workers in the textile
industry
Honduras is
implementing concrete actions to improve the quality of life of
workers in the textile industry by providing access to social
housing, a social protection system and education plans. These
initiatives also contribute to building a highly skilled work force
to fulfill the demands of this fast-growing industry worldwide.
4. A roadmap to transform the industry
In the next
five years the Honduras 20/20
development plan seeks to create 200,000 new jobs in the textile
industry, adding to the 145,000 existing jobs in the sector. The
strategy to drive growth is focused on significant investment in
infrastructure for the industry, as well as on providing tax
incentives and strengthening legislation to create a more
business-friendly environment.
5. Honduras is the center of
America
The country's location in the heart of the Americas
gives Honduras' textile industry a
competitive advantage: preferential access to key markets including
the United States and Europe. This geographic proximity allows
reduced shipping times and costs to major ports in the United States (two and a half days) and
Europe (14 days), compared to
Asian markets.
There is no doubt that the skilled labor force, sustainable
management of natural resources, privileged geographic location,
and strong labor rights for workers, will continue strengthening
Honduras' leadership position in
the textile industry in the Americas.
Any company producing textiles and any consumer wearing garments
"Made in Honduras" can be
confident in the quality and integrity of the country's
products.
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SOURCE Honduras Presidency