In a bid to upgrade Sri Lanka’s apparel sector, New York-headquartered Optitex, a leading hi-tech provider for the global textile industry, has partnered with Sri Lanka’s apparel sector and introduced 3D design software, while taking the sector to the next level. Sri Lanka has for the first time entered the realm of 3D design.
In an event by Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF)’s twin Public Private Partnership initiative, Optitex USA, as part of a provision to upgrade technical support and curriculum upgrade of SLITA, granted free licence to Sri Lanka Institute of Textile & Apparel (SLITA) to instal one edition of its global 3D pattern, making software valued at $30,000 for Lankan designers to access the platform for the first time.
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While launching the event, Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen said, “With world class certifications, we are now supplying to many global brands such as Victoria’s Secret and Gap. Our apparel exports to the US has been growing by 6 per cent. The MoU between SLITA and Juki, and receiving of a licensed version of Optitex 3D design platform are steps in the right direction to enhance our reputation as a leading apparel outsourcing destination in the world, and he further added, “Apparel is our main export taking up more than 40 per cent of our export earnings. It is also the most significant contributor to our economy. Our high quality and ethical manufacturing methods have given us this reputation. With world class certifications, we are now supplying to many global brands, such as Victoria’s Secret and Gap. Our apparel export to the US has been growing by 6 per cent annually.
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce, realizing the importance of this industry, continues with its efforts to support the sector. In the period between September 2014 and September 2015, 474 textile wearing apparel and leather industries were registered by my Ministry. I am pleased to say that 15 new apparel factories, registered in January-September 2015, and 4 Buying and Liaison offices registered.
Sri Lanka Institute of Textile & Apparel (SLITA) is a national institution that fulfils the fast-track and cutting-edge education needs of the country’s apparel industry.
