Lankan apparel exhibitions going regional

Sri Lanka’s apparel industry focussed exhibitions are returning this year with a stronger regional focus. The two exhibitions - the Apparel Industry Suppliers Exhibition (AISEX) and the Fabric and Accessory Sourcing Exhibition (FASE) – are scheduled from November 6 to 8 at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial International Convention Centre (SBMICH).

The exhibitions are organised by the Sri Lanka Apparel Institute and Lanka Exhibitions and Convention Services (LECS), supported by the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), the umbrella apparel industry representative body.

The organisers say the exhibitions are aimed at providing total solutions to the South Asian region’s garment industry.

“This year we are hosting AISEX for the 7th time in 13 years. FASE is happening for the 3rd time. What is new this year is that we are putting a lot of effort into making Colombo a focal point in the South Asian region. We are looking at forging links with professional bodies in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh and will strengthen regional marketing efforts to make the exhibitions a regional event,” said Prof. Lakdas Fernando, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Apparel Institute.

The exhibition organisers say that already regional participation in the two exhibitions has increased and so has regional brand recognition of AISEX and FASE.

“AISEX is by now well known in the region. The number of exhibitors, as well as visitors, has been steadily increasing over the years because AISEX is one of the longest running exhibitions in the region. FASE is also being positioned as a regional exhibition catering to apparel industry needs in the South Asian region,” said Fernando.

The AISEX exhibition caters to the machinery and technology needs of the apparel industry. FASE caters to apparel industry’s needs for fabric, accessories and logistics services. Together, the two exhibitions will provide total solutions for the garment trade.

This year the organisers are also looking at hosting other apparel industry events, concurrent to the exhibitions, to generate greater publicity and interest in Sri Lanka as a regional apparel industry hub.

“There will be several activities happening in Colombo during the time of the exhibition to add value to the exhibitions. For instance, the University of Moratuwa will hold its graduation fashion show for its Fashion Design degree course students during the same period. This would help generate interest in Sri Lanka as a design centre. There will also be many opportunities for business meetings and factory visits. In addition, LECS will offer very attractive packages for visitors and will facilitate leisure tours for the entire family within the country,” said Fernando.

An apparel industry conference called Apparel Asia, is also being considered.

The organisers say they are liaising with the local authorities to facilitate security clearances for the movement of goods and persons for the exhibitions.

AISEX is expected to showcase the latest in apparel industry machinery and equipment and FASE is expected to attract the best suppliers of fabric, accessories and logistics services.