Milan (Italy), Feb 6 (IANS): Italy's fashion world can kickstart a recovery process this year with a flywheel effect on the recession-hit country, the chairman of the National Chamber of Italian Fashion (CNMI) Mario Boselli said.

Boselli said Tuesday that the best way for Italy to stand out in the world is pursuing "excellence", of which fashion is the number one expression, reported Xinhua.

Despite 2012 sales falling by 5 percent year on year to 60 billion euros ($81 billion), Boselli was confident the sector would start a recovery process during the second semester of this year.

According to CNMI figures, total fashion exports in 2013 are expected to reach record levels, eventually surpassing the previous peak of 2000, to more than 44 billion euros ($59 billion).

"The Italian fashion has remained very competitive on international markets and can be a fundamental driver of the country's economy," Boselli said.

Boselli made his remarks at a press conference to presenting the women's 2013-14 fall/winter fashion week that will be held in Milan from Feb 20 to 26. More than 70 catwalks and 120 collections are expected at the show, which will be attended by thousands of international buyers and journalists.