Women: 70% of Lankan apparel workers:
WB pushes apparel sector expansion
While Sri Lanka has been successful in establishing and growing its
apparel manufacturing industry, more can be done to realise its
potential as a regional hub and to continue to boost opportunities,
especially for women and the poor, according to a new World Bank report.
The report, Stitches to Riches: Apparel Employment, Trade and
Economic Development, launched in Colombo last week is aimed at
demystifying the global, South Asian, and Sri Lankan apparel markets,
estimating the potential gains in exports and jobs (including for
women), and identifying policies that can unleash Sri Lanka's export and
jobs potential compared with those of their closest competitors in the
Southeast Asia including Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia.
Women mechanics at Brandix |
"Apparel manufacturing not only has a huge potential for creating
jobs, particularly for the poor but also attracts female workers.
Employed women are more likely to create positive social impacts as they
tend to dedicate their income to the health and education of children,"
said Country Director, World Bank Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Françoise
Clottes.
"The report has significant messages for Sri Lanka and highlights
broad opportunities that the industry provides in terms of sound jobs
for women, as well as recommendations that could help the industry
increase competitiveness and make Sri Lanka a regional hub and example
for other South Asian countries," the Country Director said.
Clothing manufacturing has a lower barrier of entry than many
industries and creates jobs that often pay better than alternatives such
as agriculture. In Sri Lanka, the average apparel worker earns more than
$120 per month, on average, compared to $80 per month for those working
in agriculture. Over 70% of apparel workers are women compared to less
than 30% in other industries.
Accounting for $4.4 billion of its exports, Sri Lanka's apparel
sector outperforms other South Asian countries in terms of quality, lead
time, reliability, along with social compliance and sustainability.
As China gradually scales back its apparel manufacturing, Sri Lanka
stands to gain market share, but not as quickly as some Southeast Asian
countries. Comparisons reveal that its apparel prices are higher than
competitors, but Sri Lanka produces more sophisticated products, though
there is room for improvement on lead times and product range and
availability.
Report co-author and a Lead Economist for the World Bank, Gladys
Lopez-Acevedo said, "Competition is increasing in the global apparel
market with buyers moving towards greater consolidation in sourcing
decisions and the impending approval of the Trans-Pacific Partnership."
"Sri Lanka should seize this opportunity and implement policies to
become a regional leader in creating good jobs, bringing more women into
the workforce and diversifying its products and end markets to increase
skills and value," she said.
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