The apparel industry believes that it will enable the country to earn an additional US$ 500 million during the next 18 months from the expected increase in their order books.

The EDB is keen to carry out a number of programs covering the apparel sector for maximum utilisation of GSP+ restoration. Initially, EDB is geared to develop strategies for this potential sector to maximise export revenue

The apparel sector would be the biggest user of the GSP+ scheme. With a considerable duty waiver of around 10% for apparel products, Sri Lankan apparel exporters could definitely have a competitive market edge in the EU market.

Sri Lanka's apparel sector exports are expected to reach US$8 billion in by 2020, a top apparel industry official said. "After regaining GSP + we believe that apparel exports will increase in the coming years, he added.

Apparel exports surged to $ 2.1 billion during first seven months this year and it stood at $ 4.6 billion last year. US, UK, and Italy were the major buyers,