Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic. The 9th National Garment Trade Fair “Fashion Industry 2015. Manufacturers and Equipment” will take place on 11-16 March 2015 at the Kojomkul Sports Palace in Bishkek. The trade fair is hosted by the Association of Light Manufacturing Enterprises “LEGRPOM” and is supported by the USAID Women’s Leadership in Small and Medium Enterprises (WLSME) program. The fair has become a major platform where national garment companies promote new collections, customers and wholesalers negotiate agreements, and the latest trends in design and technology in garments market are discussed. Over 110 garment companies from Bishkek and other regions will exhibit their products along with the equipment providers from Germany, the software providers from Ukraine and importers of fabrics from India and packaging products from Russia, China and Europe.

24 women entrepreneurs, participants of WLSME will take part in the fair. The idea behind the WLSME program is that women entrepreneurs can establish successful businesses if they actively engage in marketing activities providing them with opportunities to make new connections and to access key market information.
The USAID WLSME program is implemented by ACDI/VOCA in partnership with Bai Tushum Banking Group. The program goal is to increase the number and the size of women-owned small and medium enterprises by providing training for 960 women entrepreneurs across the country. The program also helps the entrepreneurs establish better connections with the suppliers and the buyers, with key industry associations, and service providers.

WLSME is one of many programs made possible by the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). To learn more about WLSME please visit http://www.usaid.gov/kyrgyz-republic/fact-sheets/womens-leadership-small...