Local apparel sector eyes tech upgrades, supply-chain integration at textile expo

Sri Lanka’s apparel industry is stepping up efforts to strengthen supply-chain integration and adopt new manufacturing technologies as the global sourcing patterns shift, the industry leaders said at the opening of a major textile sourcing exhibition in Colombo.

The 15th Sri Lankan edition of the Textile Series of Exhibitions, organised by CEMS-Global USA, has brought together international machinery manufacturers, raw material suppliers and Sri Lanka’s apparel exporters, reflecting the growing industry demand for direct access to technology, yarn and fabric suppliers.

The exhibition, held at the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre in Colombo, features three co-located trade shows – Textech Sri Lanka, Colombo International Yarn and Fabric Show and DyeChem Sri Lanka – covering the textile value chain from fibre and chemicals to machinery and finished garments.

The industry representatives said such platforms are becoming increasingly important as Sri Lanka’s apparel sector seeks to move up the value chain through automation, sustainable processing and advanced manufacturing.

“We see this exhibition not merely as a trade event but as a strategic sourcing hub connecting Sri Lanka’s apparel industry with global technology partners,” said CEMS-Global USA Group CEO S.S. Sarwar.

Sri Lanka has built a reputation as a supplier of ethically produced and value-added apparel but the industry leaders say deeper integration with the global raw-material and technology suppliers is essential to remain competitive.

The officials attending the opening said industrial modernisation and export diversification remain key priorities for the government, as it looks to strengthen manufacturing and support export-led growth.

Among those present were Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunneththi and Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe, alongside industry representatives including Felix A. Fernando and Yohan Lawrence from the Joint Apparel Association Forum.

The exhibitors are showcasing developments such as digital textile printing, energy-efficient machinery, sustainable chemical solutions and performance fabrics – technologies that are becoming increasingly important as global the buyers push for greener supply chains.

The organisers expect thousands of trade visitors including garment manufacturers, sourcing specialists and technical managers to attend the three-day event.

source: Daily Mirror