Mohair summit a massive boost for two Karoo towns

09 Jun 2009

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Mohair summit a massive boost for two Karoo towns

THE Karoo towns of Graaff- Reinet and Jansenville are set for a multi-million-rand boost later this year when hundreds of visitors associated with the mohair industry head for the region.

International Mohair Summit director Andrew Binning says up to 40 international mohair and wool role-players have already confirmed their participation in the event.

“An additional 100 international visitors and up to 500 national participants are expected,” he said.

“There has been a very positive response from the worldwide industry, and delegates and exhibitors from several countries, among them Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Japan and China, will participate.”

Binning said the summit was being held to support a United Nations initiative after the international organisation declared 2009 the “Year of the Natural Fibre”.

“We anticipate the event will inject around R10-million directly into the economy of the region, a portion of it stimulated by visitor spend.

“The summit will include a trade show, a conference, demonstrations and arrangements to network,” said Binning. “Participants will include designers, manufacturers, retailers, producers, marketers and others seeking to grow business interests in the sector.

“The region is one of the most important wool producing areas on the globe, while more than 900 angora goat farmers in the area produce 54% of world mohair.

“The Eastern Cape and Free State also account for more than 50% of all wool produced in southern Africa.”

Binning said the event would be held from November 3 to 8, with the main conference and trade show on November 4 and 5.

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