In the mid-19th century, Macao benefited from the textile quota system implemented in the European regions. Therefore, the textile and garment industry became the main strength of Macao’s manufacturing sector with its heyday in the 1980s. During this time, there were over 300 garment factories in Macao, including Carmen Import and Export Company Limited and its affiliates, which were established in this wave.

Jacket from the LA22/LO113 brand

Determined to stick to Made in Macao production despite adversity

        With a history spanning nearly 40 years, Carmen Import and Export Company’s business covers garment importation and exportation, shipping and tourism. The company’s managing director José Tang recalls that “in the era of global textile production quotas, Macao’s export quotas were sufficient to support most of the local garment manufacturers, so the industry practitioners at that time did not have a big interest in developing independent brands”.

        However, since the global textile quota system was abolished in 2005, the industry structure has undergone evident changes. In the absence of quota restrictions, Macao’s disadvantages of high labour and rental costs became apparent, and a large number of Macao factories were already moved to Mainland China. Tang had also come up with the idea of setting up factories in the mainland, Singapore or Mexico, yet resolved to stick to “Made in Macao” after having a conversation with an overseas customer who said ”there are thousands of garment factories in Mainland China, and it makes no difference if Carmen Import and Export joins them. The real value lies in ‘Made in Macao’”.

        To date, the company’s production procedures, from design conception, sample selection, pattern making, fabric examination, sewing and production, packaging, storage to shipment, are all completed in Macao. It is also the only garment manufacturer in Macao that is certified with the “M Mark” from the Macau Product Quality Certification Scheme (MPQC).

Managing Director José Tang

Pattern making process

Ironing process

Establishing brand against adverse economic environment

        Tang recalls that back in 2009 when the then China’s vice president Xi Jinping visited Macao, the Carmen Import and Export factory was one of the sites he visited and Xi encouraged the company to establish its own brands. Since then, Carmen Import and Export has created a number of brands for different markets. Among them, LA22/LO113 is one of the best-selling independent brands, which takes its name from Macao’s latitude and longitude co-ordinates. Moreover, the company created the Safety+ brand during the pandemic, mainly for the production of epidemic prevention supplies such as antibacterial facemasks and Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). To provide customers with clothing for going out after anti-pandemic practices became the new norm, the company has launched reusable cloth masks and PPE clothing made of anti-viral fabrics, which have been sold in large quantities in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore and other places.

Safety+ epidemic prevention jacket

Promoting Macao products through participation in Macao Week events

        To continuously promote Macao’s appealing “Tourism+” scheme to mainland tourists, the Macao SAR Government successively held the Macao Week event series in Hangzhou, Nanjing and Shanghai in 2021. Tang said that the “Macao Week in Shanghai” had a lively atmosphere and the products all sold out, reflecting the mainland customers’ confidence in Macao products. He believes that such events can help spread the good reputation of Macao and give the participants an impression of all Macao people’s determination in promoting the city’s moderate economic diversification.

        Tang, who is concerned about the development prospects of “Made in Macao”, hopes that all sectors of society can give more attention to “Made in Macao” products and learn about the advantages of the products that are both flexible and highly customised. Furthermore, Tang also hopes that the Macao garment and fashion industries can proactively proceed with structural transformation and work together to demonstrate the advantages and value of Macao products to the world through garments made in the city.

Devoted to cultivating fashion designers

(Photo courtesy of the enterprise)

 Participating in China International Import Expo

(Photo courtesy of the company)

Participating in “Macao Week in Shanghai” 2021

(Photo courtesy of the company)

Contact Carmen

If you are interested in discussing co-operation with the above-mentioned company, please contact the staff of “Macao Ideas” during office hours.

Tel.: 

Ms Cheang +853 8798 9707

Ms Chong +853 8798 9739

Email: 

fionacheang@ipim.gov.mo 

elizachong@ipim.gov.mo