Cirillo Marcolin: strategies to relaunch eyewear industry
At this morning press conference, held at the Italian embassy in Paris, Cirillo Coffen Marcolin, president of Anfao and Mido, presented results of eyewear industry for the first six month of 2003, but also spoke about initiatives token by the Government in the financial act and the next edition of the fair in Milan.
'Let's face it: we are currently experiencing a recessionary climate that has gripped the entire fashion and accessory industry', said Marcolin. 'Our companies, whether to a greater of lesser extent, are coping in a very effective manner by concentrating on niche production or by developing new trade relations with emerging markets'.
'I am pleased to hear that this year's budget has allocated more funds to promoting Italian-made products, perhaps the highest sum ever. I am also pleased to learn that the government is placing greater focus and attention on countering the problem of counterfeit brands and patents. This is a critical issue in our country and unfortunately our industry, as well as Italian fashion and accessories, are the most impacted', explained Marcolin.
'In the area of overseas promotional activities, we appreciate this new and more sensitive approach in foreign policy with a greater focus on the needs of both Italian businessmen and production. It is being demonstrated through the allocation of useful resources and also by making the most of our diplomatic channels and networking efforts. This important promotional event in France (the eyewear catwalk at the Italian Cultural Institute) is a significant example of this new approach and follows hot on the heels of an industry agreement between Anfao and the Ministry of Manufacturing Activities. The agreement has also allowed us to expand our EyesWay portal, which already boasts more than 2,000 members worldwide and which has just signed two important international agreements, becoming an invaluable vehicle of information and news about our industry to the greatest number of trade people in the world. From tomorrow the catwalk can be viewed on-line at EyesWay'.
'Italian companies must continue to be proactive overseas; they have always stood out for their great ability to penetrate international markets, but this leadership must be supported and promoted by the government as well. This means allocating, as was the case with Paris, funds for specific projects aimed at supporting companies in gaining a foothold in overseas markets and in innovating. Let's face it: we are currently experiencing a recessionary climate that has gripped the entire fashion and accessory industry. Our companies, whether to a greater of lesser extent, are coping in a very effective manner by concentrating on niche production or by developing new trade relations with emerging markets. We plan to stage other major promotional events in Russia, which is very attentive and receptive to the charm and style of Italian products. Other projects are also scheduled in some areas of Asia where pro capita income is rising strongly and the demand for fashion products can generate new interesting market outlets'.
After showing six-months result, Marcolin said: 'Some leading companies in the industry have recently expressed their cautious optimism over the encouraging performance in September, which seems to reflect a turnaround and bodes well for end-of-the-year results. However, this only applies to large-scale companies for the time being, whereas we are very well aware that our industry is mainly made up of small- and medium-sized companies where the situation has remained rather difficult. Although it is too early to make any forecasts, these first encouraging signs definitely make us all more optimistic'.
'Fundamental advertising tool for companies across the globe are exhibitions. It is for this reason that we have decided to bring some important innovations to next year's Mido. In doing this we aim to provide a better response to the needs of the industry. The first move has been to concentrate the exhibition in 3 days instead of 4, with more flexible opening hours until the evening, allowing all international trade people to make the most of their time, and once again on the basis of the surveys conducted among our exhibitors and visitors, maximizing contacts and services for all areas of the industry, from manufacturers to buyers and opticians. However, the most important thing is the establishment of Mido Eyesystem, a new system that will provide services to the industry throughout the year, whose highlight will be during the exhibition from 7 to 9 May'.
'As you can see', Marcolin concluded, 'we are taking action in various areas to deal with the slowdown in our industry and to relaunch the demand for eyewear worldwide'.
