GSP Plus from the European Union has helped Sri Lankan exports. Apparel exports to the EU from January to September this year increased 11.3 per cent compared to the same period last year. Sri Lanka’s apparel exports to the US too increased this year by 12 per cent. The country’s overall apparel exports to all countries this year from January to September increased by 13.4 per cent in comparison to the same period last year.

In 2016, Sri Lanka's apparel exports were 43 per cent of the total Sri Lankan export basket of that year. Meanwhile, Intex South Asia is being held in Sri Lanka, November 15 to 17. It has become the largest and sole international textile sourcing event in South Asia for yarns, apparel fabrics, and accessories. A strong presence of Chinese, Indian and Hong Kong participants is seen along with leading multinationals such as Reliance, Bombay Rayon Fashions, Mekotex and Woolmark.

Intex is the largest textile sourcing exhibition in the region. It helps integrate Sri Lanka with the global trading system and with the rest of South Asia. It will help Sri Lanka seize opportunities in the value chain in the region that it has not taken.