Its participation in the US market has dropped, but the unification of the cluster now encompasses the entire manufacturing process, generating exports worth $1.5 billion.
The integration of the production process, generating greater added value to all parts of the production chain of the textile industry, has enabled the industry to stay afloat and face off competition from producers such as Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries.
Representatives from the Institute for Exports and Fashion in Colombia are visiting the country in search of investors who wish to form strategic alliances.
The visit by the Colombians will be held prior to the textile and fashion show Colombiamoda 2013, to be held in Medellin from 23rd to 25th of July.
According to Carolina Fernandez, business coordinator of the Institute for Export and Fashion (Inexmoda), "Colombian brands are interested in making alliances and offering franchises in Guatemala". Among the companies interested in entering the country are: Arturo Calle, which sells clothing for executive men and Agua Bendita, which sells lingerie and swimwear.