Apparels have become Sri Lanka’s topmost merchandise exports earner. The sector is now readying to touch the milestone of US $ 5 billion worth of exports. Country’s apparel exports in 2014 were at US $ 4.9 billion increasing by 9.2 per cent from 2013. Ministry of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen, said: “We believe GSP Plus door may open for us. Sri Lankan apparel manufacturing sector is now at G4 levels with even the large global fashion brand portfolio owners such as PVH Corporation directly partnering with us on their speed orders. Our Industry Completing Cycle is short 4-5 days up-to shipping, and we can readily supply premium apparels to Sweden and Nordic region as a result. Close to one third of our exports to Sweden are apparels”. Sri Lanka and the EU recently held discussions to reinstate the sought after GSP Plus trade concession to boost Sri Lanka’s apparel exports, another coveted technical breakthrough has been extended to Sri Lanka through a surging EU economy.
