The biggest ever textile industry delegation from India arrived in Colombo yesterday (Sep. 18).

The high level textile delegation is here to strengthen the promising textile trade between the two countries and incorporates both high ranking government officials and representatives from private sector.

“The latest high level visit will help us to increase our garment exports to India further, said Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister of Industry and Commerce.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, in 2011, Sri Lanka exported $ 50 Mn of garments, woven fabrics and other textiles to India. Lanka’s garment exports to India alone was $ 25.56 Mn in 2011 and garments were Sri Lanka’s fifth export item to India. India therefore is ranked at 14th as for the international marketwise distribution destination for our 2011 garment exports, which totalled $ 3986 Mn last year across 40 countries.

The delegation is scheduled to return to India on 21 September.