Apparel Industry Suppliers Exhibition (AISEX) 2016, the largest apparel machinery exhibition in Sri Lanka opens its doors today at BMICH to bring all apparel suppliers and service organizations under one roof. The exhibition will focus on a wide range of textile machinery, accessories and services from many parts of the world.

AISEX aims to sharpen the manufacturers hunger for technological innovations in the apparel industry and they hope to provide the garment industry with the complete solutions necessary to forge ahead.

The event is organized by Lanka Exhibition & Conference Services (Pvt.) Ltd - LECS and supported and endorsed by the Sri Lanka Apparel Institute (SLAI), Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), Ministry of Industry & Commerce, Sri Lanka Institute of Textile and Apparel (SLITA) and National Chamber of Exporters (NCE).

Speaking at the inauguration of the Suppliers Exhibition (AISEX), Minister Gamage said that it was Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe who cleverly obtained the GSP Plus concession for Sri Lanka due to which apparel exports increased from US$ 2.8 billion to US$ 4.1 billion during that time.

Due to the notorious track record of human rights, lack of democracy and corruption this facility was pulled out. However with these negative factors being reversed under the new administration and due to the efforts of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and President Maithripala Sirisena, Sri Lanka will once again be awarded with the GSP Plus. This will be a major advantage for the industry and it could take the country to the apparel export target of US$ 20 billion by 2020.

The Minister however said that though the apparel industry accounts to over 45% of the total merchandise exports the value addition is still around 50%. They must encourage more apparel accessories made in Sri Lanka and the AISEX exhibition would be a good event to promote this endeavour.

Sri Lankans should also look at more R&D for the industry to be more competitive.

Sri Lanka is still considered as a favourite sourcing destination due to its best practices and ethical manufacturing (garments without guilt).

The exhibition will generate new opportunities closer to home, within the South Asian region. There are emerging opportunities in regional markets and not just in the EU and the US. The domestic markets in the region are growing and there is an opportunity for local brands to target regional markets, like India.

AISEX 2016 conducted after a lapse of seven years will be held for three consecutive days from June 9-11, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Center (SBMEC).