The fourth Sri Lanka Design Festival is set to take place in Colombo later this year, offering a range of opportunities for brands and retailers to explore sustainable sourcing, networking and sharing of best business practices.

During the event, which takes place from 14-18 November, international delegates will be able to visit a variety of world-class apparel manufacturing facilities as part of their tailor-made itineraries. 

The event will also include opportunities for one-to-one meetings with pre-matched factories and manufacturers, giving buyers, brands and retailers a chance to learn about sourcing in Sri Lanka.

Visitors will also be able to visit a number of eco-factories and hear about the initiatives that are taking place across the local apparel industry.

Another high profile event taking place during the festival is the South Asian Apparel Leadership Forum, which is being chaired by Mike Todaro, managing director of the American Apparel Producers Network (AAPN). The Forum will bring together international fashion leaders to discuss current topics related to the apparel industry.

Sri Lanka's apparel exports exceeded $4bn in 2011, recording a 15% increase for both the UK and the US despite the global economic downturn. The country is positioning itself as the gateway to South Asia.

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