Debenhams slated to visit C’bo for second time
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) is expecting a buyer delegation from Debenhams, one of the largest retailers in the UK next month, to make its second visit to Colombo.
They are expected to be in town to ink deals with apparel firms from
Sri Lanka.
Indira Malwatte, Director General EDB told the Business Times that the EDB had fruitful discussions with them last time and this visit is a follow up.“This time they are likely to ink some deals,” she said. The visiting Debenhams team will include its senior management and they will discuss plans to expand operations in the Asian region.
Some local apparel factories had approached them the last time they were in town, according to those factory owners who will also be meeting the Debenhams team for the second time. Ms. Malwatte said that the Debenhams team was interested in local handloom products. “This is another area that we want to promote.”
According to Ms. Malwatte, the country can compete on quality and has a better shot at it. “They are aware of our quality.” She added that the EDB is in dialogue with other British apparel chains and that by next year they are negotiating for some of these to come to Colombo.