EDB & JAAF showcase Lankan apparels to Latin America
View(s):As Sri Lankan annual apparel exports closed in on the crucial US$5 billion mark, South America’s largest apparel market was given a preview of Lankan fashion when the Brazil International Apparel Sourcing Show 2015 (BIAS 2015) opened in Sao Paulo on May 27.
Lanka’s EDB and Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) officials led a delegation consisting of representatives from six companies to BIAS 2015, the leading international apparel show of Brazil and South America showcasing leading Asian Apparel manufacturers for worldwide exports, according to a Commerce Ministry media release.
A B2B platform for Asian apparel manufacturers and international buyers, BIAS is also said to be “the biggest meeting place of apparel manufacturers and suppliers of Asia-Pacific focusing on buyers from USA, EU, East Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. BIAS 2015 showcased products of South Asian countries such as India, China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia, Vietnam and Sri Lanka in over 225 stalls”. BIAS 2015 attracted buyers not only from Brazil but also from other South American countries such as Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay, Venezuela, etc.
The Sri Lanka delegation consisted of officials from Sumithra Garments, Garment Services Meegoda, Rakshaa, Haward Fashions, Fashion Works and Ravi Tharu Holdings. Among the Lankan apparel items showcased at BIAS 2015 were men’s and women’s jackets, trousers, shirts, boxer shorts, men undergarments, women and girls’ blouses, dresses, pants, and casual wear.
Brazil is the largest apparel market in South America. The EDB and Lankan apparel industry identified Brazil as an important emerging market for Lankan apparels. EDB facilitated the first ever delegation to Brazil in 2014 with the participation of nine Lankan companies. As a result of 2014 B2B meetings, many business contacts have been directly established with Brazilian brands and international brands and retailers.