Apparel trade nets over $ 200m

"The apparel trade can proudly say that Sri Lanka has performed. When we figures of 2009 are compared we have a positive growth of 6.4 percent.

The basis for these achievements is that Sri Lanka demonstrates excellent needlework while the commitment in the industry is sound," said Chairman, Nitches Lanka (Pvt) Ltd and immediate past chairman of the Sri Lanka Garments Buying Offices Association (SLGBOA) Gopal K. Iyer at the 18th Annual General Meeting of the SLGBOA held recently.

Secretary General of the SLGBOA Hiran Bandaranaike announced the change of the Association's name to Sri Lanka Apparel Sourcing Association (SLASA), as officially adopted by the general membership. While illustrating the potential of growth and possibilities, taking into account Brazil's present ties with India and China, Chief Guest Pedro Henrique Lopes Borio said, "When I came to Sri Lanka, the trade was 12 million dollars and last year it was more than 200 million dollars." Stressing the importance of fostering direct ties between the two nations and the enabling role of SLASA he said,"I will be very happy to work with the Association and the members to discuss a possible trade mission to Brazil or inviting the right partners from Brazil to get to know the industry here.

It is advantageous for embassies to talk to an entity instead of reaching each separately. If you can work in unity then your chances of success are much greater."

Chairman, SLASA, J.D.R. Sylvester of Stafford Textiles said, "There is no doubt that the market is very promising and the industry is booming. We have to be focused and start developing new markets such as Brazil and other countries which will certainly help the industry move forward. The industry has created 400,000 employment opportunities through the various manufacturing processes in the apparel industry."