Specialized giftware development program:
EDB organizes Sri Lanka Design Festival
Indunil HEWAGE
The Export Development Board (EDB) has initiated a specialized
giftware development program to build second tier of exporters capable
of catering to the niche market while generating more job opportunities
for rural youth to enhance their income level.
Janaka Ratnayake |
Craft sector plays a prominent role in the economic
mainstream |
The EDB has also obtained the services of 11 designers from Europe
and USA who have come to Sri Lanka to develop the design talents of the
SME craft sector in the country.
These designers are now working with craftsmen in many parts of the
country developing a globally competitive unique novelty range of
giftware and crafts collection by incorporating the innovativeness of
the designers with the expertise of local artisans.
Sri Lankan apparel industry is expected to record US $4 billion by
2015. It is also hopeful it will reach US $3.5 billion before the end of
2010.
The apparel industry export revenue from January to August 2010 has
reported US $2,071 million.
Currently, the apparel sector accounts for 46 percent of the
country’s total exports.
Each year, the apparel industry needs to increase its export revenue
by US $1 billion. It has been recognized by the international market for
its capability to manufacture quality products. However, we need to do
much more in the fields of design and fashion while giving due
recognition to the people engaged in the industry.
Much effort is needed to promote labelling, designing and branding in
the apparel sector with value addition in order to get a premium price
for apparel products,” Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman Janaka
Ratnayake said addressing a media conference held to announce the ‘Sri
Lanka Design Festival 2010’.
He said craft sector plays a prominent role in the economic
mainstream in the country similar to the apparel sector and it is
capable of attracting talents and skills of the rural sector into the
export efforts of the country. |