By: Staff Writer
May 16, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s apparel industry is to get a big boost as the world’s largest textile producer, China is exploring possibilities of opening its huge domestic market to the island’s garment exports, an industry heavyweight said.
A prominent delegation of 30 members of the China National Garment Association (CNGA) visited Sri Lanka recently to explore fresh avenues of collaboration and investment in the Sri Lankan apparel industry.
This Chinese delegation led by Executive Vice President of XIE QING and Ningbo Garment Association Vice president and Secretary General MAO YIHUA met the Chairman/ CEO, EDB, Executive Director, BOI, and members of JAAF on the 9th of May 2024.
The CNGA is a leading industry association with over 1400 major members and covers most of the original apparel brands in China.
The primary objective of this high-level delegation was to bolster existing trade relations and explore fresh avenues of collaboration and invest in the Sri Lankan apparel industry.
During their stay in Sri Lanka, the delegation actively participated in a series of pivotal engagements, including business-to-business (B2B) meetings, insightful factory visits, and constructive dialogues with key governmental institutions.
These interactions were strategically designed to enhance mutual understanding, facilitate knowledge sharing, and lay the groundwork for investment opportunities and mutually advantageous partnership.
Central to their visit was a business session held at the EDB premises, during which the delegation had the opportunity to engage directly with 12 leading apparel companies in Sri Lanka.
The B2B meetings provided a conducive environment for fostering direct dialogue and exploring potential synergies between the Chinese representatives and their Sri Lankan counterparts.
EDB Chief Dr. Kingsley Bernard warmly welcomed the delegation, underscoring the importance of such exchanges in strengthening bilateral ties and fostering economic growth.
Further engagements were held with prominent individuals and institutions in Sri Lanka’s economic sector, highlighting the commitment of both sides to deepen cooperation and explore new avenues of cooperation.
The design, manufacture and export of textiles and apparel products is one of the biggest industries in Sri Lanka, and one which plays a key role in advancing the economy.
China apparel industry is exhibiting a stupendous growth over the past few years, owing to increasing domestic market, increasing foreign players’ participation and private players ‘expansion.
