SLCGE invites SME apparel manufacturers to join unified industry platform, encouraging businesses across Sri Lanka to collaborate under a common industry voice as the country seeks to strengthen its apparel exports and global competitiveness.
SLCGE invites SME apparel manufacturers to join unified industry platform for export growth
The Sri Lanka Chamber of Garment Exporters (SLCGE), established in 1994, has launched a renewed membership drive aimed at bringing together small and medium-sized apparel manufacturers, established exporters and aspiring exporters to build a stronger, more resilient and export-oriented apparel industry.
Having represented Sri Lanka’s garment export sector for more than three decades, the Sri Lanka Chamber of Garment Exporters said the initiative comes at a time when global apparel markets are becoming increasingly competitive, making collaboration and knowledge-sharing more important than ever.
The Chamber believes that greater engagement among SME apparel manufacturers will help strengthen the industry’s collective voice while enabling businesses to overcome common challenges and identify new opportunities in international markets.
By becoming members of SLCGE, manufacturers will gain access to a wide network of industry stakeholders, allowing them to collaborate with fellow exporters, exchange knowledge and explore untapped overseas markets. The Chamber also aims to support initiatives that improve direct market access and strengthen Sri Lanka’s position in global supply chains.
As part of the membership programme, participants will benefit from workshops, seminars, networking events and capacity-building initiatives designed to enhance technical expertise, business knowledge and market awareness. These activities are expected to provide manufacturers with valuable insights into industry trends, international buyer expectations and evolving global standards.
The Sri Lanka Chamber of Garment Exporters also plans to assist members in navigating government policies, export regulations and industry compliance requirements. In addition, the Chamber will facilitate engagement with financial institutions to help manufacturers better understand available financing solutions and investment opportunities for business expansion.
SLCGE President Nishantha Bakmeege said small and medium-sized apparel manufacturers remain an essential part of Sri Lanka’s export economy despite continuing to face challenges in accessing international markets, financing, technology and timely policy information.
He noted that joining the Chamber would enable manufacturers to become part of a stronger industry platform where they can build strategic partnerships, exchange expertise and pursue new commercial opportunities both locally and internationally.
According to Bakmeege, the Chamber’s objective is to unite established exporters and businesses with export ambitions under one collective platform that supports greater competitiveness, resilience and stronger global connections.
The renewed membership drive also aligns with Sri Lanka’s broader efforts to promote apparel exports as a key contributor to export-led economic growth. The apparel industry remains one of the country’s largest foreign exchange earners and employers, with SME manufacturers playing an increasingly important role in expanding production capacity and supporting regional economic development.
Industry observers note that strengthening the SME segment can help diversify the country’s manufacturing base while creating new employment opportunities and encouraging innovation across the sector. Greater collaboration through industry organisations is also expected to improve knowledge sharing and encourage the adoption of best practices among manufacturers.
SLCGE invites SME apparel manufacturers to join unified industry platform as part of its long-term vision of creating a stronger and more connected apparel sector. Through collaboration, networking, policy engagement and professional development, the Chamber aims to help manufacturers achieve sustainable growth while enhancing the international competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s apparel exports.
Reaffirming its commitment to the industry’s future, the Chamber concluded its membership campaign with the message: “Join Us. Collaborate. Grow. Succeed.” It also reiterated its broader vision for the sector: “One Industry. One Voice. One Future.”