EDB links Lankan apparel industry with Zara

The Export Development Board (EDB) has secured links between Sri Lankan apparel industry and Zara, a global textile giant in Spain, following the first ever visit by a Lankan apparel industry delegation to Spain's Inditex in October.

The six-member Lankan delegation to Zara included representatives from Brandix Lanka, Timex and Fergasam Garments, Union Apparel and EDB officials.

During the visit the Lankan delegation viewed a Zara company presentation and had a meeting with General Director of Communication for Inditex SA, Jesus Echevarria Hernandez, followed by a guided tour to their cutting and finishing processes and logistics departments at its corporate headquarters and headquarters of 'Zara' and 'Zara Home' two of Inditex's brands.

A detailed presentation on Sri Lanka's abilities in the apparel industry was made by the Sri Lanka delegation which was followed by a discussion.

They also held several one-on-one meetings with Heads of sourcing teams of Inditex product groups to explore manufacturing for the Zara brand. Inditex ranks as the world's largest textile retailer by sales, and is present in 87 countries.

It owns international retail brands such as Zara, Pull&Bear, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Stradivarius, Oysho, Zara Home and Uterqüe.

Inditex's consolidated sales in 2013 totalled over US $20 billion, recording a growth of 6% over 2012. The Group's brands strive to sell quality fashionable products. Inditex describes its business model as 'creativity and quality design with a rapid response to market demands'. "Inditex is commonly known by its oldest and biggest brand, Zara.