Foreseeing new export opportunities for the Sri Lankan apparel sector, Yohan Lawrence, Secretary General, Joint Apparel Association Forum Sri Lanka (JAAF), has hailed the proposed Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) with India. He noted, the current Free Trade Agreement (FTA) only allows Sri Lanka to export 8 million pieces of ready-made apparel to India without duties.

Emphasising on the growing demand for ‘Made in Sri Lanka’apparel from the middle class, Lawerence said the agreement would prove to be an opportunity for Sri Lanka to boost forex earnings by increasing apparel exports.

He spoke at the launch of the Textile/Garment Machinery, Dyes & Chemicals, Yarn & Fabric, Power & Energy, and Shipping & Logistics exhibitions, organised by `CEMS Lanka',

Scheduled to take place from February 29 to March 2 at the SLECC hall in Colombo Fort, the event is being held by CEMS in collaboration with JAAF, the Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association, the Industrial Development Board, the Ministry of Power & Energy, and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.

Dr. Kingsley Bernard, Chairman/CEO, Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), acknowledged that global geopolitics and other factors had hampered Sri Lanka's apparel exports in the previous year. However, he expressed optimism about the industry's rebound in the near future.

SS Sarwar, Group CEO, CEMS-Global USA, reflected on CEMS's initiatives in Sri Lanka, commencing after the cessation of LTTE hostilities. CEMS-Global, through its Sri Lankan office, has been organising impactful B2B Trade Shows for the Textile & Apparel Industry, Logistics & Shipping, and Power & Energy sectors. Sarwar highlighted the significance of their Textile Series of Exhibitions across Bangladesh, Brazil, Morocco, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, serving as crucial platforms for global textile and apparel manufacturers to access potential markets and showcase their latest products and technologies.