Go for green products, eco-friendly strategies - US Ambassador

Tamara Nissanka

United States will work with the Sri Lankan apparel industry as a strong friend and a partner, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Robert Blake said at the annual general meeting of the Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association (SLAEA) in Colombo on Tuesday.

“The apparel industry represents country’s fully pledged manufacturing success. It also shows the potential for the other industries. Apparel industry plays a vital role as a domestic industry for jobs,” he said.

He added that the workforce consisting mainly of rural women proves them with many opportunities. He also

 commended Sri Lanka’s potential to attract high-end brands from the US and Europe. “

As there is a global inclination towards buying green products, the Ambassador suggested that the industry should look at incorporating eco-friendly manufacturing strategies in order to tap niche markets.

“US is a leader in eco-friendly technology. Europeans and Americans are interested in buying green products,” Blake said.

Among the many threats that the country’s apparel industry faces, Blake highlighted the challenge posed by Chinese apparel exports. “Widening the range of products, new innovations, improving the quality and cost-efficiency and indulging in ethical business will help overcome these challenges,” he said.

“Sri Lankan apparel exporters should spread out to the Eastern Province. Job creation is a priority in East,” Blake said. He said the Government has a genuine desire to develop the province and entrepreneurs should assist in this effort.

Blake noted that apparel industry should also combat the violations of intellectual property rights (IPR).

“Country’s apparel industry will be a US $ 3 billion revenue earner by the end of the year,” Chairman of Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association (SLAEA), Noel Piyathilake said.

He said the association aims to make Sri Lanka the largest apparel manufacturer in the region. “Garments should be catagorised as essential goods. The business community of the apparel industry has proved to be ethical and trustworthy even at international levels,” Piyathilake added.

Immediate Past Chairman, Joint Apparel Association Forum, Ashroff Omar said that the industry saw a 10 per cent growth in September, out of which a 27 to 28 per cent increase was of exports, was recorded from the European market. He added that the industry would presumably grow more than 10 per cent this year.