SINGAPORE: Singapore companies in the textile and apparel industry have been urged to tap into new technologies to remain competitive.

The call came from Minister for Trade and Industry Lim Hng Kiang on Tuesday at the opening of the International Apparel Machinery Trade Show (JIAM) 2008.

"Improving competitiveness and productivity is a continuous challenge faced by manufacturers. Companies can do so by adopting better technologies, using more advanced manufacturing equipment, improving manufacturing processes, enhancing supply chain integration and upgrading their workers' skills," he said.

Amid rising costs of oil and raw materials, Tsuyoshi Miyazawa, executive vice president of Machinery and Solution Company, Brother Industries, said it is critical to be energy efficient.

"Also (it is) very important to develop the so-called automated equipment because in this industry, (it is) getting more difficult to, you know, hire enough labour," Tsuyoshi Miyazawa added.

According to some estimates, Asia now accounts for 70 per cent of the global production of garments. Low-cost centres such as Vietnam, India and Bangladesh are becoming increasingly popular. However, an industry player said quality is still key.

Shogo Kondo, chairman of JIAM 2008 executive committee, said: "Of course low-wage countries (are) very competitive in price in the worldwide market, but at the same time, quality-wise, it's not easy for manufacturers to keep the quality without high sophisticated machines."

It is the first time JIAM is held outside of Japan since its launch in 1984. The trade show will be held in Singapore Expo until 16 May. - CNA/ac