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Aisex, Fase solutions for garment industry

Together with the Apparel South Asia (ASA) conference, the Apparel Industry Suppliers Exhibition (AISEX) and the Fabric and Accessory Suppliers Exhibition (FASE) will take place from November 6th to 8th AISEX is aimed at meeting machinery and technology needs of the apparel industry, while FASE caters to apparel industry’s needs for fabric, accessories and logistics services.

Together, the two exhibitions are aimed at providing total solutions for the garment industry.

The exhibition organisers say participation in the exhibitions has increased this year and notes a marked increase of Chinese participation in AISEX.

“In 2007 about 30 companies took part in AISEX. This year already about 50 companies have confirmed. So there is definitely an increase in participation in AISEX, particularly by China,” said Husnie Rauf from LECS. LECS says that this year too, the latest technology solutions will be showcased at AISEX.

“In the South Asian region, AISEX has always showcased the most up-to-date technologies at AISEX. So this will continue in 2008 as well. This means that companies will not have to spend on travelling to countries like Germany, Japan and Singapore to access the latest technologies,” said Mr Rauf.

The fabric and accessory exhibition is also expanding. “The Export Development Board (EDB) is promoting FASE to bring country pavilions on fabric from manufacturers in India, China and Hong Kong,” said Rauf. Already we have confirmation of Pavilions from the Synthetic and Rayon Textile Export Promotional Council (SRTEPC) and Cotton Textile Export Promotion Council.

FASE is also expected to promote backward integration of the apparel industry in Sri Lanka. In addition, the exhibitions are also expected to generate new opportunities closer to home, within the South Asian region.

“Now there are emerging opportunities in regional markets and not just the EU and the US. The domestic markets in the region are growing and there is an opportunity for local brands to target regional markets, like India,” said Rauf.

A number of fashion shows are also planned in parallel with the ASA conference and the trade exhibitions.

This includes the graduation fashion show from the Moratuwa University’s Fashion Design and Product Development degree students.

The Moratuwa University has already begun supplying young design talent to many Sri Lankan apparel manufacturers. Other catwalk events are also being planned to showcase local designs and local clothing brands.

Nawaloka Hospitals to commemorate World Heart Day

Nawaloka Hospitals together with the Private Health Service Regulatory Council of the Ministry of Health Care and Nutrition, the Sri Lanka Heart Association, Unilever Sri Lanka and Dr Soma Edirisinghe’s ‘Punarjeewa Fund’ (govt. approved), will celebrate World Heart Day on 28.

Director/General Manager, Nawaloka Hospitals, Professor Lal Chandrasena said, World Heart Day was established as a global initiative in 2001 to increase public awareness of the threat of heart disease and stroke and the importance of heart healthy life styles.

“Heart disease and stroke is the number one killer worldwide, claiming 17.5 million lives each year or more than one death every two seconds. Many people are unaware of their risks of developing heart disease and stroke, a risk that is composed of elements linked both to one’s lifestyle and heritage.

That is why this year world heart day is about encouraging every one to ‘Know Your Risk and to take appropriate action to control it.’

Professor Chandrasena said that this year, particular emphasis is being placed on high blood pressure or hypertension the most significant risk factor for stroke and an important one for heart disease.

The Head of Nawaloka Hospital’s Heart Centre, Dr. Y.K.M. Lahie, said that high blood pressure affects more than a billion people worldwide and it normally goes undetected as symptoms only become apparent later.

“You have no way of knowing if you have it unless you are checked by a health care professional. When one considers Sri Lanka’s population of which 10%-15% are diabetic, there will be an explosion of cardiovascular diseases in time to come. The good news in that once you know your overall risk, you should plan for specific action to control it, which you can provided you adopt the necessary life-style changes and take the required medication”.

The road, Sir James Pieris Mawatha from Slave Island Junction to ‘Piththala Junction’ has been declared “Heart Zone Area” from the 28th September - 28th October. The Biera Lake area too will be decorated and the heart walk will commence from there up to Nawaloka Hospital.

All those participating in the health walk will be given a T. shirt and cap with the world heart day logo embossed on it.

Ceylon Glass changes name to Piramal Glass Ceylon PLC

Ceylon Glass Company Plc, incorporated in 1955 with a rich history that spans over half a century, donned a sparkling new image to become Piramal Glass Ceylon Plc.

CEO, Sanjay Tiwari said, a major re-branding exercise had recently been carried out across the Piramal Group, resulting in a need to pause and ponder - not just on the Company’s performance, but also its dreams and ambitions.

“These deliberations led us to adopt the new corporate identity of Piramal Glass, aligned to the new identity of the Piramal Group. Thus in line with this new corporate identity, Ceylon Glass Company Plc is now known as Piramal Glass Ceylon PLC.”

The commencement of the Company’s relationship with Piramal Glass Ltd (erstwhile known as Gujarat Glass Ltd) of India in 1999 was a major milestone in the progress story of the company. Since 1999 Ceylon Glass Company has been a subsidiary company of Piramal Glass Ltd .

The value of the Group is embedded in its new logo - the Gyan Mudra which is an aesthetic hand posture practised in yoga, meditation and dance over the past 3,000 years. “The three fingers in their varying formations symbolise the mind, the body and the intellect, in short our core values of knowledge, action and care. Harmonising with each other, they aspire to form a circle of perfection, peace and happiness,” said Tiwari.

The company also recently bagged the coveted Business Superbrand status. The Superbrands programme which currently operates in over 55 countries acknowledges a variety of categories of brands. The latest programme being rolled out in Sri Lanka recognises those products marketed to other business through Business Superbrands.

“A Business Superbrand is awarded to a company/product that has established the finest reputation in its field and offers customers emotional and/or tangible advantages over competitors, which a customer (consciously or subconsciously) wants, recognises and is confident about investing in. It represents quality, reliability and distinction and we are proud to be the recipients of such an award,” he said.

Piramal Glass has a global footprint, with manufacturing facilities located in the USA, Sri Lanka and India.

The Company markets its products to more than 54 countries across the world and has a strong presence in the global cosmetic and perfumery market, in addition to being the largest producer of nail-polish bottles globally.

Whilst growing aggressively in the perfumery market, we are also seeking to optimally serve the needs of major players in the global pharmaceutical market as well.

“We are confident of a vibrant future for Piramal Glass and look forward to becoming a major player in the niche glass market globally,” Tiwari said.