September 11, 2024 saw the export of the first export of Made in Benin ready-to-wear clothing for the prestigious American brand, U.S. POLO ASSN. A world-renowned brand that offers a wide range of clothing, accessories, travel goods, watches and shoes in over 130 countries.
This first shipment which is from out of Glo-Djigbe Industrial Zone, represents a significant step forward in the integration of GDIZ into the global supply chains of the ready-to-wear sector. The collaboration, which is expected to generate volumes of more than one million pieces over the next few years, is being carried out in partnership with INCOM S.P.A., which holds the licence for U.S. Polo Assn. on the European market. All garments shipped from GDIZ are destined for the European market via INCOM S.P.A.
Aimed at the Italian market, this first shipment includes a range of high-quality garments designed to U.S. POLO’s exacting standards, including Hooded sweatshirts, Polos and T-shirts.
This partnership with U.S. POLO ASSN. follows several other shipments already made for international brands such as the American brand The Children’s Place (TCP) and the French brand KIABI. The confidence shown by these international brands has strengthened GDIZ’s position as a key player in textile production in Africa.
Mr Létondji Beheton, Managing Director of the Société d’Investissement et de Promotion de l’Industrie (SIPI-Benin), was all excited as he said ‘This first export of “Made in Benin” clothing for U.S. Polo Assn. is not only a source of pride for GDIZ, but also for Benin as a whole”. He described the milestone as “a testament to our growing capacity to produce high-quality textiles that meet international standards”. He pronounced the event “a significant step forward in the global ready-to-wear industry, highlighting our commitment to excellence and sustainable development’.
On his part, Francesco Gozzini, Production Director of INCOM Italy, underlined the importance of this partnership affirmed ‘We are honoured to be working with Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) on this significant export of garments for the U.S. Polo Assn brand”, calling the partnership “a testament to the quality and dedication present in Benin’s textile industry, which fits perfectly with our commitment to offer excellence in every product we offer to the European market”.
“The craftsmanship and attention to detail in these garments”, he said, “reflect the high standards we maintain at INCOM. We look forward to continuing this fruitful collaboration and expanding our offering with ‘Made in Benin’ garments’.
This good step in the right direction hopefully provides good jobs for the skilled artisans in Benin Republic. It’s the kind of collaborations African nations should do more of in order to tilt the scales of the balance of trade with the rest of the world. Infrastructure development plays a big role in helping make this happen. Unfortunately, infrastructure development is the easiest kite unscrupulous governments fly as they milk their countries dry.
