The Sri Lankan apparel industry,which has established itself as an original design manufacturer(ODM),is now trying to emerge as a leading original equipment manufacturer(OEM)supplier catering to global market,Minister of Industry and Commerce,Rishad Bathiyutheen has said.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the 22nd Annual Ransalu national textile exhibition at BMICH in Colombo,the Minister said the Sri Lankan apparel and textile industry has done well this year,due to direct sourcing of TESCO,world's third largest retailer,and support
extended by the Indian Government for its rejuvenation.
He acclaimed the Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa's move of requesting enhanced access for Sri Lankan apparels in Indian market,which the Indian Government has accepted.
Sri Lanka's apparel exports for the first three quarters of the current year totalled to around US$2.8 billion,he said.
Last year,the country's woven fabric exports reached US$98.18 million,while its textile and apparel exports stood at US$4.17 billion,accounting for 40 percent of country's overall exports,he added.
On the two-day expo organized by the Department of Textiles of the Ministry,Mr.Bathiyutheen said that this year for the first time,the ambit of the fair has been widened to exhibit Sri Lanka's apparels,handlooms,textiles and fabrics on the same platform.Around 75 leading exhibitors are showcasing their products at the expo.
