Medals and Citations on Textile Day

24th Textile Day celebrated at Textile Center with determination to make fashion and textile industry 4th largest in world

The ceremony for the 24th Textile Day took place on Nov. 18 hosted by the Federation of Korea Textile Industries at the Textile Center in Seoul attended by a slew of dignitaries led by Minster Choi Kyung-hwan of the Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Rep. Kim Young-hwan, chairman of the Knowledge Economy Committee of the National Assembly, and leaders in the textile industry totaling some 500 in all.
During the ceremony, Chairman Kyung Se-ho of Kahi Co. won the Industrial Merit Gold Medal for his life-long contribution to the development of the textile industry, followed by Chairman Choi Byung-ho of the Hyungji Fashion Group winning the Industrial Merit Silver Medal and President Kim Dae-hwan of Myungsong Tex Co. winning the Industrial Merit Bronze Medal. A group of 12 textile industry executives won the government citations, while 38 industry executives won the citations of the Minister of Knowledge Economy at the ceremony.
The medals and citations were presented in recognition of their being model managers, achievements in making brands well-known, contributions to expanding exports, achievements in textile research and development, well-known designers, model employees, and others who have made recognizable contributions to the growth of the textile industry in Korea.
The ceremony also included a fashion show with latest designer products of five new designers presented with the main theme of “Common Understanding over Communication” in a bid to show off that the fashion-textile industry is a leading industry that makes the changes in the new age.
Also included in the event were a display of fashion products, the ubiquitous digital design contest fashion products and award presentation, and exhibition, and a seminar on fusion of textile products realization and other events to make the ceremony colorful and meaningful.
KOFOTI was founded in 1967 to contribute to long-term development of the textile industry as well as advancement of the national economy. It has been performing a leading role in the development of the textile industry and the national economy for the last 30 years. The Korean textile industry has been faithfully fulfilling its roles as a key national industry, achieving considerable growth to account for 41% of total exports in 1971. The industry made a remarkable achievement in 1987 when it became the first in Korea to record exports of 10 billion dollars. However, the Korean textile industry has recently been experiencing much difficulty, owing to rapid advancement of developing countries and heightened competition in the global textile market, attributable to the end of a quota system.
* KOFOTI is formulating innovation strategies for the textile and fashion industries to actively take measures in relation to heated competition and the rapidly changing trade environment, quickly respond to sharp changes in the global market as an organization performing a pivotal role in the textile industry, and develop and strengthen new growth drivers. KOFOTI is also taking a leading role in the concentrated development of high value-added areas, including the development of distinctive products that feature new technologies as well as high-quality, cutting-edge textile products and state-of-the-art dyeing and finishing technology. It is going further by making improvements to the high-cost, low-efficiency industrial structure, innovating technologies, and fostering experts. Korean textile products will be able to further strengthen their position in the global textile market if active measures are taken against the unfair imports and trade regulations of textile importers and competitiveness is secured through aggressive marketing efforts.
I will make efforts so that this Web site serves to provide the latest information on the various activities carried out by KOFOTI, promote the status and development direction of the Korean textile and fashion industries, and raise awareness of the textile industry. I will also have this Web site function as an arena where all textile industry officials can gather their strong will and wisdom, and share moments of pleasure and sorrow, said Chairman Ro Hee-chan of Kofoti. nw

Chairman Ro Hee-chan of the Korea Federation of Textile Industries delivers his opening speech at the 24th Textile Day ceremony at Textile Center in Seoul on Nov. 18.