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They came looking for women's undergarments, control and sports apparel, swimwear, among other products, within the framework of Colombiamoda 2011.
A group of 16 Canadian buyers visited Colombiamoda 2011 looking to " be closer to home" to conduct their international business.
" People like myself, who buy a lot from China, India, and Bangladesh, are now looking towards markets like the Colombian one thanks to the quality of its designs and materials" , said Philip Newman.
The buyers, supported by PROCOLOMBIA, arrived in the country to hold business meetings with national exporters from whom they expect to purchase women's undergarments, control and sports apparel, and swimwear, among other products.
" I am looking for exporters who can produce women's undergarments in large, and extra-large sizes. There is not a single place in Canada for women in those sizes where they can buy quality, well designed underwear" , explained Chris Onyemenam.
" I need to buy underwear I can sell in Canada there is none in our market. In my opinion, the product made in Colombia is one of the best in the world" , said Carolina Isa.
" I think Colombian products are marvelous, and of better quality, than those we currently have in Canada. Hence, our company's idea is to import any quality product we can find here" , added John Kanderka.
Canadians also talked about the Free Trade Agreement, to enter in force as of this coming August 15th between the two countries, which they rated as timely, thanks to the characteristics of both markets.
" Colombians have many opportunities in Canada, not only because there is a significant Latin American community in the country, but because of their buying power. This is a great possibility to expand, as well as it is for us here" , said Chris Onyemenam.
Part of the opportunities identified by PROCOLOMBIA include the entire line of teenage clothing, men's suits, underwear, swimwear, leather articles, and sportswear with special treatments and technologies to enable better performance in physical activity.
" Manufacturers are fantastic, respectful of all details in production, something you don't see in many places. Additionally, Colombians' mentality and their fashion awareness are fantastic, something to take far more advantage of through a Free Trade Agreement" , said Philip Newman.
