Exhibitions to showcase Lanka as an apparel industry
 

by Jayampathy Jayasinghe
 

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Two exhibitions, the Apparel Industry Suppliers Exhibition (AISEX) and the Fabric Accessory Sourcing Exhibition (FASE) will be held from November 6-8 to showcase Sri Lanka as a destination for the apparel industry in the South Asian region.

The exhibitions will run concurrently providing numerous solutions to apparel sector exporters in the region. The exhibitions will be held at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Centre (SBMEC) and at the BMICH. Chairman, Sri Lanka Apparel Institute, Prof. Lakdas Fernando said they were looking at forging links with professional bodies in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh to strengthen the regional market. Every endeavour will be made this year to make Colombo a focal point in the South Asian region, he said.

Replying to a question, he said that 10,000 visitors had visited last year's exhibition and more were expected this year. He said owing to volatility in the textiles industry, a manufacture shift had been noticed due to fierce competition in the global market. Prof. Fernando said the University of Moratuwa will also hold its graduation fashion show during the time of AISEX and FASE exhibitions.

AISEX will be held for the seventh time in 13 years and FASE for the third consecutive year. AISEX is a biennial event in the calendar of the Apparel industry in South Asia. Since its inception in 1995, AISEX has created a market place for transfer of top global technologies into South Asia. Machinery and modern technology will be exhibited this year.

FASE is a trade oriented exhibition open to professionals in the Apparel Sector. It will host a congregation of merchandisers, apparel manufacturers, exporters and buyers involved in textile trade. FASE would provide fabric, accessories and logistic support to the Apparel industry. The AISEX and FASE exhibitions have been organised by the Sri Lanka Apparel Institute and the Lanka Exhibitions and Conference Services and is supported by the joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), the umbrella organisations of the Sri Lanka Apparel sector.

The South Asian region is one of the world's largest manufacturing bases with over 35,000 garment factories and is home to one-fifth of the world's population. The governments in the region extend support to manufacturers with various benefits and incentives to encourage them to participate in the booming textile market.