Lankans at world's
biggest apparel fair
Sunday
Observer - Sunday December 22, 2002
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Sri Lankan apparel exporters have got an opportunity
to participate at the world's largest apparel
trade fair, Magic International, for the first
time.
The comprehensive apparel event is held in
Las Vegas, USA and is attended by over 85,000
buyers and 3,000 exhibitors from 110 countries.
Magic International started in 1933 and is
held twice a year. This is the first time Sri
Lankans are taking part, said Hiran Jayasinghe,
representative for Magic International in Sri
Lanka.
Jayasinghe has been able to reserve 15 booths
for Sri Lanka after promoting the country since
1999. Sri Lanka would also have a separate pavilion
in the neighbourhood of the exhibition for other
industries related to apparel and fashion including
software developers for the apparel industry
and jewellery manufacturers. He said that China
has secured 110 booths, India 41 and Bangladesh
10.
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"This
is an ideal opportunity for local garment exporters
because only buyers and the top management of
companies are represented at this fair".
Statistics show that 93 per cent of buyers who
visit the fair are looking for new overseas suppliers.
Therefore, he was of the view that if Sri Lankan
suppliers can sign MOUs with new partners, it
would be sufficient for a start.
He said that with the abolition
of the quota system at the end of 2004, an estimated
40 per cent of employees in the garment sector
will lose their jobs unless new buyers are found,
as most apparel companies are doing subcontracting
work.
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