8 March 2016 11:16 am
Optitex International USA Board Director Yoram Burg (third from left) handing over the licensed version of Optitex 3D software to Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen as JAAF Secretary General Tuli Cooray (far left) and Juki Lanka Service Centre Director Satoshi Ohbuchi (far right) look on
The leading provider of hi-tech solutions for the global textile industry has partnered with Sri Lanka’s apparel sector to upgrade the country’s apparel designing to new levels and the Lankan apparel industry has now entered the 3D design realm for the first time. “With world-class certifications we are now supplying to many global brands such as Victoria’s Secret and Gap. Our apparel exports to the USA have been growing by 6 percent,” said Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen.
Bathiudeen was addressing the launch event of JAAF’s twin public-private partnership initiative recently–provision of technical support and curriculum upgrade of SLITA by Juki Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd and JK Agencies (Pvt.) Ltd and also free licence grant by Optitex USA to SLITA to install one edition of its global 3D pattern making software valued at US $ 30000 for Lankan designers to access the platform for the first time.
World’s leader in 2D and 3D apparel design software, the New York headquartered Optitex has granted its leading solution free to the Sri Lanka Institute of Textile & Apparel (SLITA) under the Industry and Commerce Ministry, so that the future Lankan designers are trained in 3D design aspects, greatly reducing Lankan apparel design costs and cycles. The initiative is part of quality enhancement programme of the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), the apex Lankan body for its apparel and textile industry.
“Today’s MoU between SLITA and Juki and receiving of a licensed version of Optitex 3D design platform are steps in the right direction to enhance our reputation as a leading apparel outsourcing destination in the world,” said Bathiudeen. He added, “Apparel is our main export taking more than 40 percent of our export earnings.
It is also the most significant contributor to our economy. Our high-quality and ethical manufacturing methods have given us this reputation. With world-class certifications we are now supplying to many global brands such as Victoria’s Secret and Gap. Our apparel exports to the USA has been growing by 6 percent annually.
The Industry and Commerce Ministry realizing the importance of this industry continues with its efforts to support the sector. In the period of September 2014 to September 2015, 474 textile wearing apparel and leather industries were registered by my ministry. I am pleased to say that 15 new apparel factories registered in January-September 2015 and four buying and liaison offices registered.” Sri Lanka Institute of Textile & Apparel (SLITA), under the Industry and Commerce Ministry, is the national institution that fulfils the fast-track and cutting-edge education needs of the country’s world-class apparel industry.