Sri Lanka will host the first Apparel South Asia (ASA) conference on November 5-6 this year, bringing together international buyers and apparel manufacturers in the region.

“The conference theme ‘Beyond 2010; Challenges and Opportunities’ provides the platform to discuss the rapidly changing nature of the apparel trade and how SAARC manufacturers and exporters should respond, consolidate and strengthen their share of the world market,” Conference Chair, Prof. Lakdas D. Fernando is quoted as saying in a press release issued by the conference organisers Lanka Exhibitions and Conference Services (LECS).

He said the overall objective of the conference is to support the manufacturers and exporters of apparel in the South Asian region to keep abreast of emerging trends and opportunities, in order to prosper as leading suppliers to the World. The list of speakers includes leading international brands like Nike and Marks and Spencer, and also industry leaders from the region.

Head of General Merchandise Technology of Marks and Spencer, UK, Krishan Hundal, will speak on ‘The Emerging Ethical Consumerism and Sustainability in EU and the M&S Response’ while the Country Director South Asia for Nike, Atul Ujagar, will speak on ‘Innovation into Action.’ Chief Information Officer of MAS Holdings, Jay J Keller will speak on ‘Lean Thinking for Lean Manufacturing.’

Chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council of India. Rakesh Vaid, will present a country paper on the Indian apparel industry while the Chairman of the Joint Apparel Association Forum and a Director of Brandix Lanka Ltd, Ajith Dias, will present a country paper on the Sri Lankan apparel industry.

The conference will examine emerging global concerns such as sustainable manufacturing and the emerging ethical consumerism. Together with the conference, the Apparel Industry Suppliers Exhibition (AISEX) and the Fabric and Accessory Suppliers Exhibition (FASE) will take place on November 6 to 8. AISEX is aimed at meeting machinery and technology needs of the apparel industry, while FASE caters to apparel industry’s needs for fabric, accessories and logistics services. Together, the two exhibitions are aimed at providing total solutions for the garment industry.