Apparel industry maintaining dominant role

Sanjeevi Jayasuriya

The apparel industry shows signs of maintaining the dominant role in the country’s export sector recording continued growth despite fluctuations in prime global economies. The year to date published figures show an increase of 45% year-on-year for apparel exports which under the trying global situation by any standards would be a commendable performance by the industry, Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association Chairman Rohan Abayakoon told Daily News Business.

The increase in cotton prices during the early part of the year together with the increase in volume/value experienced by industry statistics, around a 25% increase would have been an estimated increase the industry envisaged, he said.

The published figure of 45% has pleasantly surprised us as well. I believe the trend for the second half will slow down from the published figures to date and we may end up with an overall growth of around 25% year-on-year. That will mean that we could well get to around US $ 4 billion mark if published figures to date are accurate,” he said.

“We have little control over the economic dynamics causing all the uncertainty in the countries we export to in particular the EU and the US.

“What we can do is focus on servicing our customers as they would still need inventories to run their business and this would cover great value on time deliveries, high AQL standards and good logistics for one line operational effectiveness.

“The industry is currently on an islandwide campaign to improve the image of the industry workers. There is a perception created by many including politicians that it is degrading for girls in particular to be involved in the garment trade. Our industry had been the pride of this nation for decades and has created an image that ‘made in Sri Lanka’ means something. We have a great ethically vibrant industry where our workers are the heart and soul of the success of this industry.”

“We are proud of that fact and now conducting road shows around the island in order that this is clearly communicated to all the stakeholders and the public in general so that all these wrong perceptions are corrected. The campaign is in its early days having completed Puttalam, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, and will move into Trincomalee and work down south in the months ahead,” Abayakoon said.