It laid out the strategy at Titas, a performance textiles show under way in Taipei.

Eric Hu, president of FENC Textile, said: “The coronavirus outbreak has profound implications for many sectors, and the textile/apparel/fashion industry is no exception. Without a vaccine, we have to reorganize supply chains, set up remote operations, to act rather than to react in a world of uncertainty.

“To thrive in this unprecedented and uncertain environment, FENC must think strategically, sharpen our decision-making, and keep our fingers on the pulse of customer demand. We need to get digital right and to address consumers increasingly concerned by the climate-change agenda.”

FENC said its plan is:

1. Besides a clearly defined strategy plan, we need to think about what will not change and what we need to change for the future. Handling the covid-19 crisis will not be a short-term solution and we need to think beyond 2020 and even invent new business models. The goals must be to rebuild for the longer term and companies that are strong and resilient will be better placed to survive and prosper. 

2. Focus on the best and most impactful actions that are best for the future of the business, including technology-enabled next-generation operations, productivity and automation. More research into sustainable materials and technologies, as we work towards a circular economy.  

3. Getting things done faster – faster decision making, working in smaller teams, redeploying talent and empowering leaders to take on more responsibility.

4. Change how work gets done with job sharing, flexible teams and investment in learning. 
5. Making smart moves to fund new, transformational growth areas.

6. Looking at technology investments for value and speed. Ensure technical capabilities are mapped to meet customer needs and values. 

7. Breaking down where we need to operate to meet global demands. Need to make big moves fast and be willing to rethink entire portfolios, including where work gets done.

8. Continue to focus on sustainability. Even amid the pandemic, sustainability remains top of mind for FENC – in fact, engagement in sustainability has deepened during the crisis. For example, two-thirds of apparel shoppers say that limiting impact on climate change is now more important to them now.

9. Reskilling and building digital infrastructure and working closely with governments as new rules and regulations are introduced to fight the crisis.

10. Having a strong sense to navigate uncertainty with people engagement and enhanced productivity.