Once a dominant force in the textiles and footwear sector, Sri Lanka's apparel industry is currently lagging behind emerging competitors like Cambodia. This is attributed to the inconsistent government policies that have hindered investments in Sri Lanka’s garment sector, says Sri Lanka’s Joint Apparel Association Forum.
Expected to reach $5 billion in total apparel exports in 2024, JAAF aims to increase these to $8 billion by 2025. To achieve this, the association calls for consistent government support and policies, particularly around free trade agreements (FTAs). Felix Fernando, Deputy Chairman, JAAF, emphasises on the need to form new FTAs with major markets like India, China, and Japan to attract investment and boost exports. Vietnam's success has been driven by the numerous FTAs secured by the country offering global buyers duty concessions, making it an attractive investment destination.
Meanwhile, Cambodia’s textile exports rose by 25 per cent to nearly $9 billion in during the first nine months of 2024 as against the same period in 2023. The country has now become the sixth-largest garment exporter to both the US and Europe. This success is partly due to Cambodia's 2023 ‘Industrial Transformation Map,’ which aims to modernise technology, encourage investment, and enhance skills training.
The broader Southeast Asian region, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, has witnessed substantial apparel export growth since the end of COVID-19 restrictions. Wilson Teo, President, Singapore Fashion Council, highlights, yjr region’s integrated supply chain, cost-efficiency and improved infrastructure offers it a competitive advantage. The region has also made a shift towards sustainability, with manufacturers adopting eco-friendly practices, reducing waste, and investing in renewable energy, he notes.
Automation, digitalisation, and closer collaboration between manufacturers and brands are helping ASEAN textile companies advance their operations. Companies like Singapore-based Ghim Li are setting the standard with integrated textile production facilities across Southeast Asia, shipping millions of garments globally. This focus on innovation, sustainability, and strategic partnerships is driving the region’s apparel sector forward, positioning it as a key global player in textiles.
