TEXTILES.ORG
According to a report from the Honduran president’s office in Tegucigalpa, the country is poised to become the leading player in the textiles industry in the Americas. The Central American country says it currently follows only Mexico as the region’s largest exporter of textiles in the Americas.
Noting cooperation between the Honduran government and the private sector, the report offers five reasons as proof Honduras is on the path to becoming the leader of the textile industry in the Americas:
- Sustainability
The development plan seeks to position the country as a leader in pushing sustainability and innovation in textiles.
- Environmental impact
Focused on the environment, Honduras has invested heavily in technology to ensure the sustainability of all textile-manufacturing processes. All production plants treat water used in the fabric dyeing process to reduce environmental impact, the industry annually recycles more than 15 million pounds of salt used in the dyeing process, and plants have started adding new technologies to use recycled fibers.
- Better labor conditions
Honduras is working to improve the quality of life of workers in the textile industry by providing access to housing, a social protection system and education plans.
- Industry transformation
In the next five years, Honduras hopes to create 200,000 new jobs in the textile industry, adding to the 145,000 existing jobs. The strategy is focused on significant investment in infrastructure, as well as on providing tax incentives and strengthening legislation to create a more business-friendly environment.
- Location
The country’s location in the heart of the Americas gives Honduras’ textile industry offers reduced shipping times and costs to major ports in the United States (2½ days) and Europe (14 days), compared to Asian markets.
Source: Honduran presidency