Page 24 - TEXtalks May-June 2021

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Sri Lanka under heat as the EU

sets a resolution and suggest

evaluation of GSP+

For Sri Lanka, The European Union is one of the conventions that are to be implemented by the
largest export markets as about 26% of Sri Lanka’s island nation. To ensure the fulfillment of human
exports goes to EU. Therefore, the concerns rights in Sri Lanka, the GSP+ system should be
directed towards Sri Lanka being raised by the EU reevaluated. Lectra acquires Gerber Technology for
will put a dent into the working relationship and may
possibly cut trade tariffs. The EU is also pondering over whether or not to
order a “temporary withdrawal of access” which 175 million euros
A resolution is in the stages of finalization as the means Sri Lanka will not have access to European
European Union raises concern for the integration of markets. Through this, Sri Lankan exports and cut
repeal of Sri Lanka’s draconian Prevention of trade tariffs. Sri Lanka has a trade surplus with the EU
Terrorism Act (PTA). The reason being that under Sri of over € 1 billion. Between 2009-2014 imports from Sri In June 2021, the Lectra company has acquired soft-goods manufacturing space is reflected in our
Lanka’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences Lanka had an annual average growth rate of 4.7%. EU Gerber Technology. Gerber Technology was founded forward-thinking approach to the new digital era.
(GSP+), the law is not in accordance with the exports to Sri Lanka grew by 10% on average. back in 1968. The initial announcement was made Through a commitment to end-to-end efficiency,
on February 8, which Lectra's Board approved of Gerber Technology brings business to reach an
Directors on March 25, 2021. Lectra paid 175 million international scale in the on-demand marketplace.
euros for the said purpose. The strategic
combination has led to creating a leading global The "new normal" continues to change how
consumers work, communicate, travel and shop,
Industry 4.0 player for the fashion, automotive, and
Pakistan completes 84% of furniture markets. accelerating companies' digital transformation and
shifts in supply chain strategy. Current disruptive
forces are also pushing the bounds of innovation,
Jean and Bernard Etcheparre founded Lectra in
cotton sowing 1973. The company has headquater in Paris, France and Lectra remains committed as ever to leading
and operates in 34 countries with specialities in CAD
the drive toward Industry 4.0. The two companies
software and CAM cutting-room systems for various
share a common culture of technological innovation,
industries, including leather and textiles. The
They also share a vision of delivering efficiencies
company develops software, hardware, consulting, excellence, and commitment to customer success.
Cotton sowing in Pakistan had been completed over expected at 10.51 million bails during the current and associated services for apparel, automotive, and driving growth through Industry 4.0 services and
1.96 million hectares against the set targets of 2.32 season. furniture, and others. By 1986, Lectra was the digitalization.
million hectares. With this, 84% of the target has world's leading CAD and CAM systems provider.
been achieved. Punjab had completed crop sowing Cotton production in Pakistan is integral to the Lectra reported revenues of 236 million euros in By merging as one, Lectra and Gerber Technology
over 1.35 million hectares as against the set target economic development of the country. The nation is 2020 and is listed on Euronext (LSS). The company will consolidate their respective resources to
of 1.6 million hectares. largely dependent on the cotton industry and its first launched its product life-cycle management accelerate the development of new technological
related textile sector, and the crop has been given a (PLM) software in 2006. It manages the life cycles of applications to benefit their joint worldwide customer
principal status in the country. Cotton is grown as an
Meanwhile, the Sindh province had completed its industrial crop in 15% of the nation's land during the products and collections through software from base. Consolidation of Lectra and Gerber
task on 0.533 million hectares out of its set targets of monsoon months of May to August. The remaining planning, creation, and product development to Technology’s extensive research and development
0.64 million hectares during the current crop sowing 16% of cotton sowing is expected to complete soon. production. capabilities and an unmatched investment in
season by Monday 14 June 2021. With increased Therefore, it could be hoped that there will not be innovation will propel their product portfolio beyond
land for the said purpose, cotton output targets are the same cotton yarn shortage this year. Gerber Technology is known for its responsive digital the state of the art. The new entity will meet
solutions for fashion, transportation, home emerging customer needs faster, through
furnishings, and technical textile supply chains. seamlessly integrated solutions with significantly
Gerber's 50+ year legacy in the textile and greater added value.

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