The next Maroc in Mode - Maroc Sourcing editions will take place on October 26th and 27th, 2017 in Marrakech at the racing circuit Moulay Hassan, near to the places of interest, hotels and touristic sites of the famously renown "ochre city". Established on a 5,000 sqm area, this year's trade show will be the 15th edition of Maroc in Mode and the 14th edition of Maroc Sourcing. Morocco is an exception in the Euromed region. Its exports display a sustained high growth for the fifth consecutive year, recording a 10% growth in 2016.

The sector embarked in a new, innovative strategy evolving around "ecosystems" led by leading companies acting as "locomotives" for their branches and suppliers. These locomotives are committed to fulfill the requirements for modern production and required regulations and international standards. In addition, the ecosystems' strategy is fully supported and powered by the Moroccan government, in exchange for what the companies commit to investment plans (both machinery and creativity / R&D) leading to the creation of jobs and a significant turnover increase by 2020.

The ecosystem

Within the set up put in place, the "locomotives" not only upgrade their own production systems, but also assist small companies in their "ecosystem" to structure and build up industrial progression and modernity.

An example which speaks for itself is the Denim Ecosystem, endorsed by major players, or so-called locomotives, like Medsourcing, Settavex, New Wash, Paris Texas, and others, and which is set to reach to following objectives by 2020:

• To increase the denim subsector turnover by 240 million EUR

• To create 14,800 new jobs in this sector

• To sign 25 conventions with companies aiming to become locomotives who are prepared to develop their ecosystem.

Collaboration with François Girbaud

Innovative initiatives are being developed in this branch of the textile industry, one of them being the recent launch of a 100% Made in Morocco, green Denim collection desgined in collaboration with François Girbaud under the label "Cleaning the Planet".

As of today, six ecosystems are up and running: Fast fashion, Denim, Knitwear, Distribution of national brands, Technical textiles and Home textiles. Every subsector has its own specifications and focus, but all share common goals and ambitious objectives.

Morocco is recognized today as a major player in fast fashion with regards to its long standing and established experience with the biggest vertical fast fashion brands and retailers in the world. One of its major competitive advantages lays in the proximity to Europe, and therefore its ability to react immediately to new trends to be delivered within short term.

Most of these exhibitors are Moroccan, but the show will also display international exhibitors from Turkey, Tunisia, China, Belgium, Germany, Spain, France, Portugal, and Egypt.

In addition, and for the first time, around 20 Moroccan companies from the leather and shoes sector will also be participating, adding their contribution to the "fast fashion" dynamic.

Around 1,500 specialist visitors are expected to come from Africa, America and Europe.