Taiwan Textile Fair 2013 in Sri Lanka for the second time
Tuesday, 17 September 2013 00:11
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The Taiwan Textile industry being the sixth largest in the textile industry in the world has approximately annual revenue of $ 15 billion. As an exporter to many Asian countries, Middle Eastern countries and the USA, it uses the unique selling proposition of high end value added products which caters to the global market as “Designed/Branded” in Taiwan. The following is an interview carried out with Worldex Exhibition and Promotion Ltd. Director Arti Bhagat regarding the upcoming Taiwan Textile Fairs (TTF) in South Asia 2013 which is being held in Bangalore, Delhi and Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Q: What could you say was the main driving force behind selecting Sri Lanka as one of the stops of the Taiwan Textile Fair in South Asia 2013?
A. Well, actually this would be the second consecutive time we chose Sri Lanka as a stop during the TTF 2012 and due to the success and great response we received from the participants we chose to visit Sri Lanka this time around as well. This is organised by the Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT) and the Taiwan Textile Federation (TTF) and the event is duly endorsed by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and supported by the Joint Apparel association Forum (JAAF) and Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association (SLAEA).
Q: Why would be the reasons behind considering Sri Lanka as an important destination for this tour?
A. The current boom the Sri Lankan economy is facing is one main important factor, apart from this it was from time immemorial that these two countries have had trade affairs, and with this we hope to connect and continue this relationship further on.
The garment producers too were one more reason behind selecting Sri Lanka as one of our destinations. No longer are the Sri Lankan garment producers merely purchasing from the nominated companies the buying company recommends, but now they have broadened their scope by devoting a portion of their time for research and development, by testing out methods of creating high quality clothes by using different fabrics. Not only this, your domestic demand for high quality apparel is one more reason behind selecting Sri Lanka.
Q: What would be the distinctive feature of this year’s TTF 2013?
A. With the participation of 15 to 17 companies the fair will showcase a variety of products ranging from sports knitting, jersey, mesh and brushed fabrics, knitted, woven fabrics, lingerie, beachwear, homewear, nightwear, sportswear, thermal and underwear fabrics to functional fabrics, outdoor and sports fabrics, REPET recycled polyester yarns and fabrics, spandex fabric, textured yarns, high performance fabrics, and labels, badges and ribbons. Not only this, this year the Taiwan Textile Federation has organised a group of textile and accessory suppliers specialising in fashion, function and innovative eco-friendly products.
Q: What could be considered as the contribution the Taiwan textile industry could make to the Sri Lankan Industry?
A. Many companies are now looking at emerging market economies which are labour friendly, when basing their factories. And as Sri Lanka which appeals to both aspects and has a reputation of having high ethics, sustainability and eco friendliness, the likelihood of Sri Lanka being selected to carry out factory operations is quite high.
Apart from this Taiwan hopes to assist in the growth of the quality of the different fabrics produced by Sri Lanka, especially the knitting fabric, which is currently being manufactured in Sri Lanka however the quality is not of high standards.
It also should be noted, that many Taiwanese companies are carrying out discussions with the companies that they were able to meet in Sri Lanka during last year’s fair and have shown interest to either collaborate or begin factories with Sri Lankan producers.
Q: So if there are any interested parties who wish to visit the exhibition, how are they able to participate? Is it by invite or is it free for the general public?
A. As this is solely a B2B (Business to Business) fair, we only provide admittance to those in the industry and for them we have given the opportunity to receive invitations to the fair by registering online. However, if those parties have missed the opportunity, they would be able to register at the fair itself.
For further information on the Taiwan Textile Fair 2013, which would be held on 26 and 27 November at the Grand Crystal Ballroom, Taj Samudra, visit and register at www.ttf.worldexindia.com.
