The International Apparel Federation (IAF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) underlining a renewed commitment to bring industry players together across the supply chain and across the globe.
- The understanding marks the "start of a closer and more frequent collaboration" to the benefit of both organisations and their members.
The Understanding: The MoU was signed on 1 March by IAF Secretary-General Matthijs Crietee and AAFA President and CEO Steve Lamar at the AAFA’s Executive Summit in Washington DC.
- A delegation of major Turkish apparel manufacturers was present at the Summit.
- The MoU covers the IAF’s 38th World Fashion Convention to be held in the US this year for the first time in more than two decades.
- This Convention will be held together with the Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from 22-25 October.
- The Convention offers a unique opportunity for AAFA members to discuss and connect with garment and textile suppliers from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
- Throughout 2023, IAF and AAFA will work together on projects that require global alignment across the industry.
What They Said:
Traceability, sustainability, creativity, materials sourcing, innovation and information technology, and cooperation across the supply chain are just a few areas that this partnership will focus on.
— Matthijs Crietee
Secretary-General
International Apparel Federation
This year’s Executive Summit was focused on the ability to adapt, align, and act. This is exactly what this MOU allows our respective members to do in a time where the production landscape is changing and partnerships are necessary for supply chain resiliency.
— Steve Lamar
President and CEO
American Apparel & Footwear Association
