The Dutch textile and design company, Vlisco Group, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU with the Federal Government of Nigeria to create a platform for significant expansion in Nigeria’s economy.

The Nigerian government in December 2014 approved a major revitalisation and reform of its Cotton, Textiles and Garment (CTG) sector which will catalyse growth and jobs  in Nigeria across the entire value-chain from cotton to fashion.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Hans Ouwendijk, CEO of Vlisco Group said: “We commend the Nigerian Government for its focus on revitalising this critical sector.

The new policy enables the Vlisco Group to invest in Nigeria and to contribute to the building of a vibrant CTG sector. Nigeria is Africa’s largest consumer market and the opportunity to fully deploy our brands and business models in Nigeria provides a major boost to our growth ambition.”

The CEO went further to say that the MoU is expected to yield benefits for the Nigerian economy in terms of economic diversification and job creation in line with the Government’s Industrial Revolution strategy. Vlisco Group’s activities are expected to generate more than 10,000 jobs in Nigeria in the medium term, he stated.

The MoU detailed wide-ranging collaboration and support. Vlisco Group intends to offer Nigeria’s 188m consumers it’s four brands (Woodin, Vlisco, Uniwax and GTP). The Group will participate across the sector value chain from sourcing of cotton, textile printing, wholesale, retail and e-commerce distribution, garment manufacturing and supporting and promoting  Nigerian fashion designers. He continued.

Also speaking, Minster of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, commenting on the MoU stated:”The Government of Nigeria is delighted to welcome this investment and partnership from the Vlisco Group into Nigeria.

“We are determined to rebuild this historically important sector with its job creation impact across the entire value chain from cotton fields to fashion. We are looking forward to implementing this strategic partnership with the Vlisco Group”.