The general objectives of this activity are as follows::

1. Raise awareness among Member States of SELA of the importance of strengthening sectors with potential for development; in this case, the textile sector, as a mechanism for economic growth and employment generation.

2. Increase awareness of the importance of value chains in Latin America and the Caribbean, in order to facilitate goods manufacturing opportunities, knowledge sharing and access to textiles and raw materials.

3. Review successful programmes for implementation of activities related to the fashion industry.

4. Promote the creation of a network of institutions and experts related to the industry.

5. Promote an exchange of the best practices implemented in other regions, such as Latin America and Africa, where best practices allowed the sector to penetrate international markets and whose experiences can be replicated.

6. Foster and strengthen training of personnel in the design and manufacture of products related to the fashion industry.

The specific objectives of this regional meeting are as follows:

1. Promote follow-up and research consultancies on the fashion design industry in order to boost the areas that must be addressed.

2. Conduct a cost/benefit analysis of prior actions undertaken in this industry and the challenges that the Caribbean countries have failed to overcome for their products to enter international markets.

3. Train the regional private sector on the economic potential of the fashion design sector to attract investors to support the industry.