Intex South Asia textile sourcing show opens

• Three-day exhibition from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.at Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Centre
• Showcasing over 200 international suppliers of yarn, apparel fabrics, denim fabrics, clothing accessories and allied services

By Ruwandi Gamage

Highlighting global innovation, technology and market intelligence, the 4thIntex South Asia, the textile sourcing show,inaugurated yesterday to be held until 16 November at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Centre.

Showcasing over 200 suppliers from 20 countries and regions, the three-day exhibition will also feature a series of seminars educating about the latest technology and market developments in the industry and the sustainable way forward for businesses featuring international brands such as Woolmark and Better Cotton Initiative (BCI).

The organisers of the exhibition, Worldex,is hoping to attract buyers from around the world to interact with suppliers showcasing yarn, apparel fabrics, denim fabrics, clothing accessories and allied services. They have also made it possible for buyers and suppliers to interact and keep in touch, by setting up special QR codes dedicated to each supplier showcased in the exhibition.

“This year’s exhibition is hosting over 200 exhibitors and we are hoping to attract buyers from Bangladesh, Nigeria, Taiwan, India, Dubai and a host of other countries. For the first time, we have made it possible for digital registrations to take place so that there will be higher interaction between the buyers and the exhibitors where each one has been given a QR code so that the buyers can continuously be in touch with the exhibitors,” Worldex Managing Director Rajesh Bhagat said at the inauguration.

Speaking at the inauguration, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Shri Taranjit Singh Sadhu expressed his delight in the increasing trend of Sri Lankan investments into India in the textile sector and commended on the substantial growth in the garment industry.

“India being the largest cotton and jute producer, second largest textile and fibre producer and second largest producer of silk in the world is happy to be a big part of this exhibition. Similarly, Sri Lanka’s garment industry has seen a significant growth in recent times. Sri Lanka’s apparel industry is the most significant contributor and also the highest foreign exchange earner for Sri Lanka towards the country’s economic growth,” the High Commissioner added.

Joint Apparel Association Forum Sri Lanka (JAAFSL) Chairman Sharad Amalean said: “Automation and digital methods are gradually taking over the textile industry. Four years ago, we were apprehensive of our capacity to adapt to such changes. But today, I take pride in being able to say we have kept up with the technological advancements in the industry and brought it to an excellent standard”’ 

Pix by Ruwan Walpola