Aiming to become a global apparel hub by 2030 vision, Sri Lanka proposes to increase annual export earnings to $8 billion by 2025. The country achieved its highest five-year apparel export levels in January this year as earnings surged to $487.6 million from $452 million in January 2019.

Cooperation key to achieving goals

Strong performance indicates the industry’s ability to achieve its set goals by 2025, says Yohan Lawrence, Secretary General, Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), Sri Lanka’s apex industry body comprising supply chain partners, apparel manufacturers, buying offices and representatives of international brands in Sri Lanka. The apparel industry can become a major contributor not just to foreign exchange reserves but also employment sector through close cooperation with all industry stakeholders, Lawrence explains.

The industry has also adopted certain safety measures to curb COVID-19 spread amongst employees. Around 65 per cent employees have been fully vaccinated. Apparel exporters have also adopted additional safety measures to curb the spread of the Omicron variant

Digital technologies to mitigate supply chain issues

The Sri Lankan apparel sector strictly adheres to all safety and health protocols, affirms Saif Jafferjee, Managing Director (MD), Lanka Garments. This helps it reduce COVID-19 impact and ensure business continuity, he adds. Sri Lanka also mitigates supply chain issues by adopting various digital product development technologies. Larger apparel firms in the country are collaborating with smaller companies to help meet export targets, adds Jafferjee.

Strong demand for apparels in the domestic market has resulted in a healthy pipeline of orders for upcoming months. However, the international apparel market looks challenging due to growing geopolitical tensions in Europe, adds Jafferjee.