The Export Development Board (EDB) of Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs of Switzerland (SECO), has launched the second phase of the Global Program on Textile and Clothing (GTEX2). Running from 2024 to 2027 and funded by the Swiss Government, this initiative aims to boost Sri Lanka’s apparel sector.

The program involves collaboration with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDCA) and the International Trade Centre (ITC), which will provide technical assistance. Sri Lanka has appointed a National Project Coordinator (NPC) to oversee the project's execution.

The program aims to enhance the operational capabilities of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the textile and garments industry, support adherence to social and environmental standards, add value to products and services, and expand exports to new and existing markets.

Dr. Kingsley Bernard, Chairman of the EDB, expressed gratitude for the support from the Swiss Embassy in Sri Lanka and the Swiss Confederation, highlighting the program’s potential to elevate the apparel sector. He noted that a detailed market research study supported by the Swiss Import Promotion Program (SIPPO) in 2022 identified new market segments, product ranges, and sustainability priorities beneficial to Sri Lanka’s apparel industry. This successful research paved the way for Sri Lanka’s participation in GTEX2.