Minister Bathiudeen endorses apparel industry's awareness campaign
The Sri Lankan Apparel Industry's islandwide campaign to showcase its
national image and further its role as a major contributor to regional
and economic development of the country received a boost following the
endorsement and support extended towards it by Industry and Commerce
Minister Rishard Bathiudeen.
The Minister said that President Mahinda Rajapaksa looked forward to
the industry playing a bigger role in years to come, propelled by the
current budget proposal which indicates that the government would extend
its fullest support in achieving this goal.
Meanwhile, the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) received an
unprecedented response from visitors who attended the 'Deyata Kirula'
2011 exhibition and fair in Buttala recently. The event drew large
numbers of youth from surrounding areas, who expressed their willingness
to join the apparel sector at different levels of employment.
JAAF authorities are processing the large amount of applications
received at 'Deyata Kirula', which will be handed over to garment
factories for their consideration.
The widespread presence of the industry makes it one of the most
significant contributors to employment generation and poverty reduction.
"The apparel industry is a major contributor to the national economy
and we consider it a 'flagship service' that has attracted major
international buyers, brands and apparel houses and acts as a road map
for macro development", the Minister said.
Minister Bathiudeen expressed confidence that the Sri Lankan apparel
industry would achieve the $5 billion revenue target by 2015 as
envisaged by President Rajapaksa in his budget speech.
The youth were called upon to rally around the industry and be a part
of this thriving sector noted for its strong observance of
environmentally-friendly manufacturing practices.
The industry also focuses on providing benefits such as transport,
meals and medical facilities and strives to uphold strict health and
safety standards.
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