(COLOMBO, LANKAPUVATH) – High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Taranjit Singh Sandhu today inaugurated the 4th edition of Intex South Asia, the largest international textile sourcing show in South Asia, at the BMICH in Colombo.
Chairperson, Sri Lanka Export Development Board Indira Malwatte, Chairman, Joint Apparel Association Forum of Sri Lanka (JAAF), Sharad Amalean, heads of several trade bodies, industry leaders and delegates from several countries were also present.
The event has been organized by Worldex India Exhibition and Promotion Pvt. Ltd. The event partners include the Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL), Retailers Association of India, Clothing Manufacturers Association of India, Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) etc.
High Commissioner Sandhu and EDB Chairperson Indira Malwatte also jointly inaugurated the India Pavilion organized by Federation of Indian Export Organist ion (FIEO).
High Commissioner noted that Intex South Asia has become an annual event in Sri Lanka in the calendar of textile industry, which is a reflection of efforts of all stakeholders to turn a huge potential into reality. He also recalled Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi’s vision for textiles: “From Farm to Fiber, Fiber to Factory, Factory to Fashion, Fashion to Foreign.”
Underlining that India is the largest cotton and jute producer in the world and second largest textiles producer, as well as the second largest producer of silk in the world, High Commissioner added that there exists significant complementarity wherein Sri Lanka can source textile material from India and transform it into apparel and garments for rest of the world. He encouraged Sri Lankan companies to be part of the supply and value chains of large Indian companies. He praised the contribution of Sri Lankan companies, who have made substantial investments in India in textile sector. He noted that events such as Intex South Asia, would go a long way in promoting the existing synergy between India and Sri Lanka.
High Commissioner touched upon Khadi, a hand spun fabric, which Mahatma Gandhi had popularized, as a symbol of freedom and self-respect. India is currently paying tribute to Gandhi as part of his 150th birth anniversary celebrations.
High Commissioner Sandhu underscored that India’s rapid growth can bring dividends for the entire region, especially Sri Lanka. He added that there is a lot India and Sri Lanka can do together rather than at individual levels. He called upon the business community and industry leaders to innovate and grow together.
The 4th edition of Intex South Asia has participation of over 200 suppliers from around 15 countries showcasing a wide variety of innovative textiles products such as yarns, apparels, denim clothing, accessories etc. Alongside the exhibition, there are also Interactive Business Forums, Fashion Fiesta, Networking Reception, Fashion Show, B2B meetings, etc. The event concludes on 16 November 2018.
