SGS, a multinational company headquartered in Switzerland, has opened a fabric and garment testing laboratory in Hawassa Industrial Park. The laboratory provides tailor-made testing services to local businesses, assuring compliance with international regulations and requirements. SGS's presence in Ethiopia will contribute to and strengthen the local apparel industry’s ability to meet the requirements of global standards and international markets, according to a statement from the company. Their quality inspection, compliance audits, factory assessment, and loading supervision bring to Ethiopia a one-stop service for the country’s textile industry. SGS has over 97,000 employees worldwide and operates a network of more than 2,600 offices and laboratories. More than 65 textile investment projects have been launched in Ethiopia by foreign investors in the last six years. In 2018, the revenue generated from the export of the textile products was 110 million dollars, only 46pc of the target set for the sector. Shortages of cotton, lack of trained employees and instability in some parts of the country were identified as the main causes of the shortfall.
