Gloria Vanderbilt, a global giant in women''s apparel yesterday urged Sri Lanka to push for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US thereby boost export of quality ready made garments.

A top team from Gloria Vanderbilt is in town to expand its sourcing business in Sri Lanka and yesterday held a meeting with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board.

Gloria Vandebilt was acquired by leading designer and marketer of branded apparel in US Jones Apparel Group Inc in June 2001.

Its CEO Isaac Dabbah said yesterday that there were no issues of child labour or disobeying regulations or laws by Sri Lanka''s apparel industry. "In that context Sri Lanka is one of the greatest places to do business," he added.

He also expressed the view that given its dynamism and world class quality Sri Lanka''s apparel industry should push for an FTA with the US. "Sri Lanka''s manufacturing sector has a good reputation and does a "terrific job" in conforming to social responsibility," Mr. Dabbah added.

"Sri Lanka has to push for free trade with the US in order to increase its exports which has risen by about 30% over last year. However in order to enjoy free trade Sri Lanka has to open its markets, liberalise further and remove subsidies," the CEO of the US apparel giant said.

He anticipated a boom in business through an FTA. "The FTA will create a balance between Sri Lanka and powerhouse India but it all depends on the political stability and a peaceful environment in Sri Lanka," he added.