The export target for the batik, handloom, and local apparel industry in 2021 is determined to be $ 6 billion. In order to achieve that, they are planning on carrying out programs that will help in the promotion of local products through overseas showrooms. The chosen representatives from these countries will assist in endorsing batik products, handloom textiles, and local apparel products
“In 2020, the industry faced a loss of $ 1.2 billion due to Covid, since the exports amounted to $ 5 .6 billion in 2019 in comparison to $4.4 billion in 2020,” Batik, Handloom, and Local Apparel Products State Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara said. “This will support 200 villages and involve the revamping of weaving centres which are spread across the country by means of providing raw material and infrastructure,” Jayasekara added.
PWB (Professionals Without Borders) will facilitate the transfer of knowledge through Private-public partnerships. Services of expertise such as strategy, finance, project management, marketing, branding, lean manufacturing, and digital marketing will be provided without additional charges.
“Nine fabric parks will be established for franchising Laksala and Salusala in Sri Lanka and targets to promote handloom to China, India, Japan, Australia, UK, and the US,” he said.
To conquer the shortage of premium quality raw material for handlooms and Batik, an innovation and research development center is to be inaugurated to combat these textile related problems that are being faced. Moreover, entrepreneurs will be offered support through initial capital and working capital needs by loans in co-ordination with the Central Bank and through public and private banks.
