Zhejiang garment maker eyes Clinton for its brand image

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, November 21, 2003

Zhejiang garment maker eyes Clinton for its brand image

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A garments manufacturer in east China's Zhejiang Province is hoping to sign former US President Bill Clinton to represent its brand after the company head had lunch with Clinton during his visit to China this month.

Fapai Garments Enterprise Co LTD president Peng Xing also presented Clinton with the gift of a suit, shirt and shoes at the meeting on Nov. 11, when Clinton was in Beijing to promote the fight against AIDS.

Established in September 1997 and based in Wenzhou City, Fapai Garments is one of China's leading garment companies, with more than 20 branches and about 300 outlets in major centers like Shanghai and Shenzhen. The company has also registered its trademark in more than ten countries and regions, such as Italy, France, Germany, the United States and Hong Kong.

Peng began writing to Clinton in May 2000, inviting him to represent the firm after he left office, and received a polite reply from the White House, saying the invitation would be considered only after the President ended his term.

Six months later when Clinton left office, Peng sent another e-mail offering Clinton 2 million US dollars. This time, Peng received a formal reply from Clinton's wife Hillary, who sent back an e-mail on Feb. 14, 2001, expressing her appreciation and hoping for a meeting.

Since then, Fapai Garments has maintained contact with Clinton's office. Peng said Clinton originally hoped to visit the company in this June, but had to abandon the plan due to the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the Iraq War.

Peng denied previous reports that the two sides have already signed a deal.

"Communicating on line to having a face-to-face talk is already remarkable progress for me," Peng said, adding he did not know if Clinton would eventually accept the invitation.

An earlier overseas report said a Clinton press aide, reached by telephone hours before the former president left Beijing, said he had no knowledge of any deal with the firm.

Peng said Fapai Garments put great value on developing its brand, hoping to build its international image by employing people with international style as its "spokesmodels".

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