EDB unveils srilanka servicexport.com Service-exporters urged to join, reap benefits

The Island - 22/02/2015

As Sri Lanka's top service exports -ICT- started moving towards crucial US dollar one billion mark this year, the country's apex exports body EDB announced a major initiative on 17 February to further diversify exports beyond merchandises and to move for service exports.

"srilankaservicexport.com is the first, specialised web portal for all our service exporters and a one stop for them to link with international partners. This portal is absolutely free for exporters" said Saman Maldeni (Director, Export Services of SLEDB) on 17 February in Colombo.

University of Jaffna hosts biggest IT conference in Northern Peninsula

news.lk - 24/12/2014

IT industry thought leaders and undergraduates meet and network at Day Four of Jaffna IT Week

One of the most prevalent needs of Sri Lanka’s blossoming IT industry is increased human capital, to meet the rising demands of an industry that is hungry for further growth. Public-private partnerships need to play a dynamic role to strengthen our human resources and make known to our youth some of the country’s best employment opportunities.
The Jaffna IT Week – an industry initiative for inclusive growth and reconciliation – facilitated this collaboration, bringing together top stakeholders from the public and private sectors to share knowledge and network with some of the young talent of the country at the Jaffna IT Conference, which was held on 6 December 2014 at the University of Jaffna.

‘Lanka IT sector to hit $1B mark next year’-EDB

news.lk - 05/12/2014

Sri Lanka’s surging IT and BPO exports would hit the critical dollar one billion mark as early as next year, surpassing previous expectations! And London Stock Exchange and HSBC have praised the Lankan IT sector ‘with joy’, as revealed on 05 December in Jaffna. And the pioneering Northern IT Exports forum by EDB & ICTA was packed with enthusiastic regional IT industry.

“We earned $719 Mn from ICT exports, and our projection for 2014 is $820 Mn. At this rate, we expect to hit dollar one billion mark very soon-as early as 2015. We have seen 123% growth in IT sector over the last five years. London Stock Exchange and HSBC also praised the Lankan IT sector with joy” said Saman Maldeni (Director, Export Services of SLEDB) on 05 December in Jaffna.

EDB Director Saman was addressing the pioneering IT/BPM Export Forum & Entrepreneurship Worksop that took place in Jaffna on 05 December at Jaffna’s Tilko City Hotel. The first ever such Forum to be held in Northern Province, it packed 30 ICT operators and 30 would be young entrepreneurs and start-ups and seven leading Lankan IT BPM CEOs. Held on the theme of “Accelerating IT Exports and Fostering Entrepreneurship”, the one day, one-of-a-kind session consisted of presentations from seven Lankan IT firms – Virtusa, Stax Inc, WSO2, Calcey, CodeGen, Hayleys BPO, 99X Technology well as top two public sector agencies  ICTA and EDB. Co-organisers of the Forum were EDB and ICTA.

“Sri Lanka’s IT/BPM sector vision 2022 is a $ 5 Bn revenue, 200,000 direct jobs and 1000 start-ups. Northern region has been identified as one of the major regions that can harness its strengths and skills to make this dream a reality” said EDB Director Saman, and added: “Jaffna region’s stress free environment, availability of skills and infrastructure such as internet and electricity are key factors in this regard. National Outsource Association of UK awarded SL the Outsource destination of 2013 which shows the up and coming potential of Lankan IT and business processing sector. In 2013, we earned $719 Mn from ICT exports, and our projection for 2014 is $820 Mn. At this rate, we expect to hit dollar one billion mark very soon-as early as 2015. We have seen 123% growth in IT sector over the last five years. This growth was across all IT/BPM sectors, in domestic and export sectors.  A reason for this is our high quality-London Stock Exchange and HSBC also praised the Lankan IT sector with joy. This was due to our high quality software products and services that they received. EDB is not a regulator in Lankan exports but a promoter, supporter, facilitator and mediator operating through a regional network.”

Addressing the event, Mano Sekaram (SLASSCOM Vice Chairman) said:  ““Just five years ago, such an event was merely a pipe dream. Today however peace and prosperity is finally the reality we are living in and events like this are not only possibility but happening as we speak. We kicked off the Jaffna IT week two days ago at Vembadi School ,where we shared with the school children who are the future leaders of our country of the career prospects in IT/BPM –this was a successful 2 days in which we had over 2000 children and youth taking part. Sri Lanka’s IT/BPM sector has taken less than 15 years to become the country’s fifth largest exporter. In 2013, export revenue grew to an estimated $ 719Mn, employing 80000 with 220 firms engaged in it. We have an ambitious vision-our 2022 vision of the industry is to be a $5 Billion industry creating 200,000 Jobs. Part of our strategy  is to build regional ICT capacity creating 2 tier cities and fostering entrepreneurship to ignite start-ups.  Today, the Western Province contributes over 95% of IT/BPM exports. The creation of ‘Second Tier Cities’ –Kandy, Galle and Jaffna-will IT empower the regions and would see a paradigm shift from being Colombo-centric to regional-centric IT development. Furthermore, it has been identified that the proliferation of ICT in provincial regions is the fastest way of developing marginalised areas. Let me thank all the my industry friends , industry leaders /CEO, EDB officials, ICTA  colleagues and our sponsors for  working tirelessly  to put together this even and coming all the way to Jaffna.”


Reshan Devapura (CEO-ICT Agency Sri Lanka), addressing the event, said: “Previously we expected  to break $ 1 Billion mark in IT revenue by 2016 or later but now, with latest revenue projections coming in, we are expecting to hit $ one billion revenue by 2015 with 100,000 IT sector employment in ’15.”


EDB has conducted many IT related events, conferences, trade exhibitions, both locally and abroad. It also successfully conducted export coaching programmes for IT sector personnel.

EDB to host international delegation at SLDF 2014

Daily FT - 05/12/2014

Lanka Design Festival (SLDF) 2014, which is backed by local industries and the Government, is scheduled to kick off over the next few days.

The main objective of the festival is to promote design driven exports as a major economic sector for the country. For this reason, SLDF is supported by Sri Lanka’s apex institute for driving exports, the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB).

Together with the EDB, SLDF’s fashion edition is held under the theme ‘From manufacturing to branding’, encompassing Sri Lanka move towards a brand-driven future with regional hub status in design.
In light of this, SLDF will join hands with EDB to draw international attention to the massive potential of emerging exports like contemporary handloom fashion.

Using SLDF as a platform to gain worldwide recognition for the growing potential of handlooms as a high fashion export, EDB is hosting an international delegation of buyers, fashion opinion leaders, media, retailers and fashion presentation experts from Europe, North America, India, etc. This delegation will be direct buyers, promoters and ambassadors for local design driven exports.

EDB Chairman and Chief Executive Bandula Egodage stated that SLDF’s objectives to promote traditional crafts revitalised through design such as handloom, aligns closely with EDB’s mission to discover, develop and promote new design exports from the country.

“EDB is an institution dedicated to strengthening existing exports and promoting new exports for Sri Lanka. SLDF plays an important part in helping us in this mission by integrating design into traditional sectors like handloom and crafts to revive them as new exports for Sri Lanka.

“We find it crucial for our exports to meet the needs of the global market and evolve as high quality products and we’re proud to be part of the process of traditional cottage industries transforming into potential power exports with SLDF 2014. We have supported SLDF for the past few years and in 2014 too we are delighted to support the event as key stakeholders,” Egodage said.

In addition to hosting a powerful international delegation of ambassadors for Sri Lankan design-driven exports, EDB has also extended its support to host an impressive fashion display of contemporary handloom fashion, produced and presented by an international team of experts.

This dazzling display of locally woven textiles as high-end fashion includes a range of cutting-edge collections targeting global consumers and the launch of an e-commerce platform where European and North America consumers can directly purchase Sri Lanka handloom online.

SLDF 2014, the national celebration of design supported by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, will include an exciting and educational range of forums, exhibitions and shows which will be held at SLECC from 5-7 December.

In addition to the EDB, SLDF is also supported by the Ministry of Economic Development, Sri Lanka Tourism and Sri Lanka Apparel as key stakeholders. Brandix Lanka Ltd. and MAS Holdings are the official fashion industry patrons while other supporters include Coats Thread Lanka – official thread and zip partners, GT Nexus – official technology partner, Daily FT/Daily Mirror/Sunday Times – official print media, MTV/MBC – official electronic media, Mount Lavinia – official venue partner, Triad – official communications partner and Cheryl Gooneratne Hair & Beauty Academy – official hair & makeup partner, Sunshine Travels – official travel partner and Pico – official exhibitor logistics partner.

20 IT SMEs in EDB’s first Jaffna Export Forum today

Daily FT - 05/12/2014

• ‘30 more would be entrepreneurs too’: SLAASCOM’s Sekaram
• ‘$ 5B IT exports by 2020’: EDB’s Egodage
• ‘Cloud tech helping regional IT’: SLAASCOM’s Sekaram2103 IT exports at $ 719 m

Sri Lanka’s apex export facilitator EDB’s first IT event in Jaffna has been boosted by an influx of Jaffna based operators and would be ICT entrepreneurs on 4 December and the event also packs in-depth industry presentations from no less than seven top Lankan IT firms.

“Almost 20 SME IT operators in Jaffna region have registered for 5 December’s IT/BPM Export Forum in Jaffna. Another 30 prospective IT entrepreneurs from Jaffna who are looking to set-up, too have joined making it a total of 50 players,” said SLASSCOM Vice Chairman Mano Sekaram on 4 December in Colombo.

Sekaram was discussing in Colombo on the progress of first ever IT/BPM Export Forum and Entrepreneurship Workshop to be held in Jaffna on 5 December at Jaffna’s Tilko City Hotel. Held on the theme of ‘Accelerating IT Exports and Fostering Entrepreneurship’, the one day, one-of-a-kind session is scheduled for presentations from seven Lankan IT leaders – Ruwindhu Peiris (Managing Director of Stax Inc), Dr. Sanjiva Weerawarana (Founder, Chairman and CEO of WSO2), Mangala Karunaratne (Founder and CEO of Calcey), Dr. Harsha Subasinghe (CEO & Chief System Architect of CodeGen), Dr. Arul Sivagananathan (Managing Director Hayleys Industrial Solutions and Hayleys BPO), Mano Sekeram (Co-Founder and CEO of 99X Technology) and Madu Ratnayake (Head of Digital, SVP & General Manager at Virtusa) – as well as top two public sector agencies (presentations by Saman Maldeni-Director–Export Services of EDB, Reshan Dewapura (CEO of ICTA) and Fayaz Hudah (Program Head of ICT Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA).

“Almost 20 SME IT operators in Jaffna region have registered for 5 December’s IT/BPM Export Forum in Jaffna. Another 30 prospective IT entrepreneurs from Jaffna who are looking to set-up, too have joined making it a total of 50 players,” said Sekaram, and added: “What is important is that not only we already have 50 registrants, but they are SME operators in both hardware and software with entrepreneurial side. The old way of doing IT exports is that being a domestic producer in Colombo, you enter the export market but with the cloud powered technologies and overall online connectivity across the country, its different today.”

The IT/BPM Export Forum runs in parallel to ‘Jaffna IT Week’, that began on 3 December and ends on 6 December in Jaffna. The event comprises of Future Careers Program (on 3, 4 December at the Vembadi Girls’ High School), the 5 December’s IT/BPM Export Forum and Jaffna IT Conference (at the Kailasapathy Auditorium of University of Jaffna on 6 December). The Export Development Board (EDB) is partnering SLASSCOM in this initiative with Information and Communications Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA), the Ministry of Education, the University of Jaffna and the Yarl IT Hub.

EDB Chairman and CEO Bandula Egodage said: “SLAASCOM, ICTA, EDB and all the IT/BPM firms are setting up a new milestone. EDB is a facilitator in this event. The Government is focusing on IT/BPM sector since it is the future. When it comes to non-traditional exports development, IT plays a major role. Huge improvements are seen and also needed for us to achieve $ 5 billion IT/BPM exports by 2020. In 2013, IT exports stood at $ 719 million. Currently IT is concentrated in Colombo but the way forward is taking them to regions starting with Tier 2 cities. Jaffna is the third city after focusing on Kandy and Galle.  When it comes to EDB, we have conducted IT related events, conferences, trade exhibitions, both locally and foreign. We also conducted export coaching programmes for IT.”

Kenya-Sri Lanka Joint Economic Cooperation talks a success

Daily FT - 18/11/2014

Kenya, the newest entrant to Africa’s top 10 list, called for renewed trade with Sri Lanka and in a display of its commitment towards this end requested three trade pacts with Sri Lanka in one go by 2015.

“We are looking forward to more trade interaction and expecting a delegation to Nairobi from Sri Lanka next year. By the time of your visit to Nairobi we are looking forward to conclude current discussions on three agreements being discussed and to sign them,” said Amb. Nelson Ndirangu Ogn (Director, Economic Affairs and International Trade of Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nairobi) on 12 November in Colombo.

Ogn was addressing Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen and top officials during his delegation’s courtesy call on Bathiudeen at the EDB. Ogn was in Colombo leading a nine-member trade delegation to Sri Lanka. The Kenyan team successfully concluded its Joint Economic Cooperation (JEC) session with Bathiudeen’s official delegation on 11 November.

Noting that Kenya is aiming to become a middle income country by 2030, Ogn expressed hope that the agreements – a Bilateral Trade Agreement, an agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation and an agreement on Promotion and Protection of Bilateral Investments – would be formalised during Sri Lanka’s visit there.

“Once we formalise these three instruments at government to government level, the private sectors at both ends can commence their own trade. Even on agriculture cooperation, a draft agreement is now being finalised. Our Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries will be coming to Sri Lanka to sign it once it is ready. All these bilateral agreements are for stronger trade between both countries. We also need to have ongoing B2B interactions and forge chamber level interactions.  President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited the Nairobi Chamber of Commerce last year and as a result the two chambers entered into a MoU which strengthened bilateral trade. We also saw your Chamber of Commerce in this visit and are impressed by your chamber, which was established way back in 1839. It is now time to expand business-to-business links between the two countries in a significant way.”

In 2013, trade between both countries stood at $13.94 m, rising from 2012’s $12.78 m.  Among Sri Lanka’s exports to Kenya in 2013 were natural rubber, tyres, sacks and bags, staple fibre, tea, rice, coconut coir and activated carbon. Trade in January-June 2014 totalled $ 5.86 m.

Kenya discovered oil and gas in 2012 and is now the ninth largest economy in Africa. In its Global Competitiveness Report 2014-’15, the World Economic Forum listed Kenya as the sixth best among the top 10 economic performers of Africa.

“I have been given to understand that 11 November’s Joint Commission (JEC) Session discussions were successful and I am pleased,” said Bathiudeen. “The JEC also helped to link our fruits and vegetables, construction, ceramics and leather sectors to Kenyan economy. We especially note your keen interest in our leather processing. We thank you for your invitation to us to Kenya’s Tea Expo in 2015. If you inform the EDB of the important events in your trade calendar in advance, we would be able to facilitate even greater B2B interactions. I am pleased about the Kenya Export Promotion Council’s interest to enter into a MoU with the EDB so that export and trade is facilitated starting from a higher level. Such a MoU can also facilitate joint trade delegations.”

Ogn and Bathiudeen also discussed other avenues of bilateral cooperation yesterday (17).
Also taking part were Ministry of Industry and Commerce Secretary Anura Siriwardene, EDB Chairman/CEO Bandula Egodage, EDB DG Sujatha Weerakoone and DoC DG R.D.S. Kumararatne.

Canada for more trade with SL

Daily FT - 19/11/2014

• Canada has 24 FTAs including NAFTA: Whiting 
• Another opening to largest market: Rishad 
• EDB revives TRO-Canada links
• Top Lankan exporters at Canada session
• Bilateral trade at $ 437 m

Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen (second from left) in discussion with EDB Chairman/CEO Bandula Egodage yesterday as Canadian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Shelley Whiting (far right) and Canada Asia-Trade Facilitation Office Project Manager Zaki Munshi (far left) look on

As part of its new internationalisation thrust, the second largest economy in North America directly called for a fresh trade round with Sri Lanka yesterday, recording success for Sri Lanka with yet another NAFTA member.

More than 100 Lankan firms of all sizes packed EDB’s pioneering ‘Exporting to Canada’ session in Colombo.

“I see great potential and synergy here today to do business with Canadian businesses and the Canadian import market. We are in a continuous process of internationalising, especially targeting emerging markets,” said Canadian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Shelley Whiting yesterday in Colombo.

Whiting was addressing the pioneering EDB session ‘Exporting to Canada’ held at the EDB, which was attended by over 200 eager reps from 100 Lankan firms of all sizes.

Also joining the session were Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen, EDB Chairman/CEO Bandula Egodage, Canada Asia-Trade Facilitation Office Project Manager Zaki Munshi, EDB DG Sujatha Weerakoone, EDB ED Dr. Yousuf Maraikkar, Bangalore Senior Canadian Trade Officer Stanley Gomes and officials from Sri Lankan Consulate, Toronto.

“Our aim is to build ties and extend businesses between both countries. The presence of TFO Canada in Colombo today speaks of the enormous economic progress underway in Sri Lanka right now and Sri Lanka’s potential as a trade partner for Canadian Companies. 54% of Lankan imports Canada are apparel. Canada has established an important share in Sri Lanka’s market for wheat and other agricultural commodities; 83% of Canadian merchandise exports to Sri Lanka in 2013 consisted of wheat and lentils,” said Whiting.

She added: “Canada and Sri Lanka share a broad-based bilateral relationship, with long history of development assistance to Sri Lanka beginning with Colombo Plan and continuing through today where Canadian technical assistance is focused on building sustainable economic growth. All the locomotives that arrived under the Plan 60 years ago are still functioning today! I think these Canadian workhorses are in many ways are symbolic of Canada’s trade relationship – longstanding, reliable, quality products, somewhat small-scale, but in for the long haul.

“We have a growing and significant presence in Sri Lanka’s education, agriculture, IT, energy, and infrastructure. Just as Sri Lanka engages in a large export volume to India, our main partner is also in our neighbourhood – in our case, the US. However, as various people have acknowledged, we are not defined by that trading relationship alone. Just this September, the Canadian Government celebrated its most successful month for trading and investment in Canadian history. Like Sri Lanka, Canada too has entered into several Trade Agreements including with the EU, Korea, etc. Starting from the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canada has signed nearly 24 FTAs with the world. We also have seen a fivefold increase in Canada-India trade in the recent years.”

Sri Lanka’s bilateral trade with Canada has shown a continuously growing trend in the last few years. The $ 346 m total in 2009 surged by 26.23% to cross $437 m in 2013.

Bathiudeen, addressing the event, said: “With the support of our committed exporters, President Mahinda Rajapaksa has set a goal of $ 20 billion exports by 2020. As we aim for this goal, not only diversification, but even deeper access to existing markets has become important. Canada is in fact a promising destination in this regard. Last year our bilateral trade with Canada stood at $ 437 m. Firstly, Canada’s consumer market is about 2.25% of the world’s total consumer market. The neighbouring US market, which is also the largest market in the world, has 28% of the world’s total consumer market. Therefore the Canadian market which is located just next to our biggest global marketplace not only offers its own opportunities for Lankan exporters, but even new openings to the US market as well.

“It is clear that $ 437 m trade with the Canada market also shows great unrealised potential that we can begin to explore. Today’s session with the valuable support of the Trade Facilitation Office of Canada (TFO Canada), and Sri Lankan Consulate in Toronto could help our committed exporters explore this promising North American market with added strength. I have no doubts that in time to come, with the support of TFO Canada, our EDB will be able to open new doors in Canada for our keen exporters. Therefore, on behalf of the people of Sri Lanka, I extend our warmest appreciation to the people of Canada today for this and many other support initiatives.”

Among the 106 Lankan private sector giants at yesterday’s session were A. Baur, Hayleys Exports, Eswaran Brothers, Ceylon Biscuits, Ramya Horticulture, Akbar Bros, Barbara Sansoni, Dankotuwa Porcelain, Samson Rubber and Anverally.

Trade renewal in offing with largest Nepali biz visit in a decade

Daily FT -  03/11/2014

• ‘Time for air links, new trade’: Nepal’s Dhakwa
• ‘Sending two teams’: EDB’s Egodage
• Bilateral trade at $ 5 m
• ‘Come to us & get Indo, Thai markets’: Nepal’s Dhakwa

TEPC Member of Board of Directors and the leader of the visiting Nepali delegation Bikash R. Dhakwa (third from right) gifts a copper and gold dust plated Shakyamuni Buddha statue crafted by Nepali artisans to EDB Chairman and CEO Bandula Egodage on 29 October in Colombo

As Lanka-Nepal trade leaped by threefold and showed new signs of revival, the biggest Nepali business delegation to Sri Lanka after almost a decade concluded their visit successfully on 2 November and also gave an unprecedented opening for the country’s artisans to enter two of the highly profitable craft markets in the region through Nepal and Sri Lanka’s creative artisans have been invited to November’s International Fair in Kathmandu.

“Sri Lanka and Nepal have historic relations and now is the time to go to the next step; towards stronger bilateral trade. The main reason we are coming to Sri Lanka is that you have very good gem processing technology – also we need your natural precious stones,” announced Trade and Export Promotion Center (TEPC) Member of Board of Directors and the leader of the visiting Nepali delegation Bikash R. Dhakwa on 29 October in Colombo.

Director Dhakwa was addressing the EDB top officials’ team led by EDB Chairman and CEO Bandula Egodage during his delegation’s visit to EDB on 29 October. The visiting 12 member business delegation from Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal was the largest ever Nepali business delegation to come to Sri Lanka in recent times. This was also the first ever such handicraft focused delegation to visit Sri Lanka from Nepal, with leading Nepali handicraft, gold, silver and metal crafts and other artisan entrepreneurs in it.
Several of the visiting businesses are also well-linked to the craft markets of India and Thailand. Notable among the Nepali reps were international jewellery designer Suman Dhakwa (Proprietor, Valhalla Enterprises) as well as Sanam Shakya (Executive Member, Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal and sole craft supplier to Dalai Lama).
Also present at the session EDB were EDB DG Sujatha Weerakoone, EDB ED Dr. Yousuf Maraikkar, EDB Director – Market Development Jeevani Siriwardena and other top officials.
“We warmly welcome one of the largest business teams from Nepal. Today’s meeting with your delegation could be considered as a preparatory meeting of our craft sector for Kathmandu SAARC sideline meeting as well,” said Egodage, addressing Director Dhakwa and the delegation, and added: “Relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal have been historic. The arrival of such a large team strengthens these on-going relations further and helps increase trade.”
As for bilateral trade, both countries remain promising virgin markets to each other. In 2013, Sri Lanka’s exports to Nepal stood at $ 5.07 million, a sudden 296% jump from 2012’s $ 1.2 million. Handicraft and jewellery exports to Nepal totalled $ 0.42 million in 2013. Sri Lanka’s top exports to Nepal in 2013 were printed books, newspapers and other printing products, pepper, fowls, electrical apparatus/switches, rubber tyres, and industrial machines.
Director Dhakwa responding said: “Sri Lanka and Nepal relations have been historic and now is the time to go to the next step-towards stronger bilateral trade. Both Nepali handicrafts and jewellery sector representatives are here. Unlike in Sri Lanka, jewellery, gold, silver and precious stone crafts are included as part of ‘handicrafts’ in Nepal. We have 22 different kinds of key crafts being exported to 60 countries. The main reason we are coming to Sri Lanka is that we believe that you have very good processing technology of precious and semi-precious stones here – that is stone cutting-as well as a strong manufacturing sector in them.
“Also we need your natural precious stones to be used in our jewelleries. Our jewellery producers have very good linkages with Thailand and India and these two markets are continuously fed by our artisans. Sri Lankan precious stones will help us to meet the increasing demand for high quality precious stones embedded crafts in these two markets. For Sri Lankan gem, silver and handicraft exporters, there are huge prospects in the $ 420 million Nepali gold, silver, jewellery and handicraft making industry which already employs two million workers. “These prospects are within Nepal and through Nepal to countries such as India and Thailand. Apart from SAARC meet, we also invite a Sri Lankan handicraft, silver and gold crafters team to the Nepali Handicraft Trade Fair held 20-24 November at the Bhrikuti Mandap Exhibition Hall in Kathmandu. We also suggest that it is time to renew direct air-links between Kathmandua and Colombo.”
“We are looking forward to meet you during SAARC meet,” said EDB’s Egodage, and added: “We are also planning to send a business delegation to Nepal in January.”
The previous Nepali delegation of this magnitude to visit Colombo was the business delegation organised by the Economic Forum of Nepal, way back in December 2003.

Global Rubber Conference 2014 kicks off in Colombo

Daily FT - 29/10/2014

The local rubber industry received much emphasis yesterday with the Global Rubber Conference (GRC) 2014 kicking off in Colombo.

The four-day event, which started on 27 October, is taking place for the fourth consecutive year.
The GRC is recognised to be one of the world’s leading conferences on natural rubber and NR-based products and is held on an annual basis rotating in different rubber-producing countries.

Organised by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB) and Confexhub with the support from the Ministry of Plantation Industries and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the event saw about 250 delegates from over 25 countries come together to discuss and get updated on the pertinent issues affecting the global rubber industry.

The conference aimed to fulfill five key objectives which are, to bring together regulatory authorities and commercial players of the rubber industry to provide updates on current trends and future challenges faced by NR industry, to facilitate the exchange of information and subsequently open up new turfs of business opportunities and expansion, to promote industry-wide investment opportunities in Pan Asia countries in general and the host country specific, to provide a platform for policymakers and association heads to discuss determining factors within the industry and to enable industry experts to communicate the latest R&D innovations.

While GRC 2014 was officially opened yesterday, on 27 October a pre-conference study tour was arranged to visit Lankem Crepe Rubber Processing Plant and Sloe Crepe Production Centre at Padukka Estate, Kotagala Rubber and Tea Plantations at Rayigam Estate and the Sri Lanka Rubber Research Institute, the oldest in the world.

The technical sessions that will come to a close today included two keynote addresses on ‘Global Economic Growth Prospects and Commodity Markets’ by The World Bank (WB), USA, Senior Economist Dr. John Baffes and ‘Sri Lankan Government’s Policy on the Development of Rubber Based Product Manufacturing Industries’ by Ministry of Industry and Commerce Secretary Anura Siriwardena, along with technical sessions highlighting six key areas.

The six areas comprehensively deliberated were, ‘Global Rubber Situation and Prospects: Supply, Demand and Price Forecast for 2015’, ‘Defining Sustainability: The Game Changer for the Natural Rubber Sector’, ‘Enhancing Quality of Rubber Materials’, ‘New Dir3ections and Strategies for Sustainable Rubber Supply’, Tyre Industry: Market Outlook and Strategic Direction for Sustainable Development’ and ‘Directions of World Economic Forces on Dipped Goods Sector’. On 30 October the visiting delegates will be given the opportunity to visit the Rubber Auction Market which is the only one in the world. The GRC was incepted in 2005 as ASEAN Rubber Conference and was renamed in 2011 as the Global Rubber Conference. It has been held in seven ASEAN countries including Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippines, Laos PDR, and Malaysia and the last was held in Indonesia.

Sri Lanka represented at the largest SME Fair in the Asia Pacific region in Guangzhou

news.lk - 21/10/2014

Sri Lanka participated for the first time at the 11th edition of the China International SME Fair (CISMEF) in Guangzhou from 11 to 14 October 2014. The Sri Lanka Pavilion was jointly organized by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Guangzhou and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board and had strong representation from business leaders of the SME sector, showcasing premium products from thrust export sectors such as gems and jewellery, tea and spices, handicrafts, handlooms and ayurvedic products.
Mrs. Sujatha Weerakoon, Director General of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, speaking at the opening of the Sri Lanka Pavilion pointed out that the Government’s numerous trade facilitation initiatives and President Xi Jinping’s recent State Visit to Sri Lanka have created new opportunities for even closer cooperation between Sri Lanka and China, particularly in trade and urged Sri Lanka companies present to maximize the opportunity to enter the attractive Chinese market.

CISMEF, the largest SME Fair in the Asia Pacific region is both a window for Chinese SMEs to learn about the world, and a bridge for the products and services of international SMEs to enter the Chinese market. This year Mexico was the co-host country; there were 560 overseas participants from 21 countries; 2714 Chinese booths and around 200,000 visitors.

Mrs. Weerakoon, addressing the International SME Development Seminar & Roundtable Conference held on 12 October highlighted the attractive business environment in Sri Lanka; the significant increase of Sri Lanka’s exports from US$ 6,000 million in 2005 to US$ 11,000 million in 2013 and SME Development initiatives by the Sri Lankan Government, noting that many large well known Sri Lankan companies started off as SMEs.

The Sri Lanka trade delegation also participated in the Sri Lanka- China Jewellery Forum organized on 13 October by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Guangzhou; the Guangdong Institute of Diamonds, Jade & Jewellery and the Chamber of Commerce of Coloured Gemstones & Jewellery of Guangdong as well as in the Guangdong- Sri Lanka Enterprises Business meeting organized on 14 October by the Consulate General and the Guangdong Committee of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT). Successful B2B meetings were held as a key part of both these events.

Mrs. Weerakoon met key officials of the Guangdong Commerce Department and the Guangdong CCPIT to explore further partnership opportunities in trade development.

Sri Lanka’s participation in the CISMEF Trade Fair is a landmark in establishing the presence of Sri Lanka’s premium trade products in Guangdong – China’s richest province.

First-ever on-water Boat Show a success

Daily FT - 18/10/2014

• 2013 boat exports surge by 46%
• Buyers and exhibitors from Korea, Maldives, Seychelles
• Improved standards: Minister Senaratne
• Value-added business: EDB’s Egodage

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa (second from left), Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Rajitha Senaratne (third from left) and EDB Chairman/CEO Bandula Egodage at Boatshow 2014 on 10 October at Dickowita Harbour, Wattala

Colombo’s latest international boat show, which featured an on-water boat display for the first time, concluded successfully after a three-day run on 12 October.

“We have been talking about five hubs. Today there are two major milestones taking place at this event – the promotion of the maritime hub as well as our tourism,” said EDB Chairman and CEO Bandula Egodage, addressing the inauguration event of Boatshow 2014 on 10 October at Dickowita Harbour, Wattala.

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa visits Boatshow 2014 on 10 October at Dickowita Harbour, Wattala

Taking part in the opening session were Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Rajitha Senaratne, EDB ED Dr. Yousuf Maraikkar, Boat Building Technology Improvement Institute Chairman Neil Fernando, Boat Building Technology Improvement Institute Managing Director Gamini B. Herath, local and international delegates of International Council of Marine Industry Associations, ICOMIA Marinas Group Chairman Roberto Perochchio, ICOMIA Marinas Group Secretary Peter Jansen, local and international exhibitors at Boatshow2014 and buyers and boat experts from S. Korea, Bangladesh, Maldives, and Seychelles.

Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa toured the Boatshow ’14 on 10 October. The one-day ‘Industry Conference on Marina Development and Marine Tourism in Sri Lanka’ was held on 12 October and that too concluded successfully.

“We have been talking about five hubs. Today there are two major milestones taking place at this event-promotion of the maritime hub as well as our tourism” said Bandula Egodage (Chairman & CEO of EDB), addressing the event, and added:
Egodage added: “Fishery contains tourism. This is the link between the Boatshow and ICOMIA effort. Non-traditional exports are the future. By doing this event, we hope to increase exports. Not just imports or exports but an increase in bilateral trade. Boat building is a value-added business, bilaterally. You are the experts and we need your help.”

Sri Lanka’s boat exports that stood at $ 56 m in 2012 increased by a strong 46% in 2013 to $ 82 m. In 2013, a market diversification study by the EDB identified that ships and boat exports were a “winning export category” in a growing global market. In this analysis “boat exports” also achieved the top slot among several such other promising exports of Sri Lanka.

“This event would facilitate manufacturers and fisheries suppliers to promote their products and services to a target audience in the international market,” said Minister of Fisheries Senaratne.

He added: “This would undoubtedly help to promote Sri Lanka as a main boating hub in South Asia while helping to develop this market by showcasing the latest products, technology, and services in this industry. Following Boatshow 2008, 2010 and 2102, I believe this show has further improved its standards with the participation of Bangladesh, Maldives, Seychelles, South Korea, Belgium, Netherlands and Norway.

Suppliers of leisure, pleasure, commercial and industrial and fishing vessels, materials, repairs, training and other service provision. A trend is evolving in the Western market to turn towards developing Fibre Enforced Plastic (FEP), especially for hull construction, which is mainly due to cost saving factor. I hope this Boatshow will be very helpful to meet this challenge.”

In Sri Lanka, more than 100 establishments are engaged in boat manufacturing; 15 of them are large scale, while 35 are medium to large scale companies. This sector also provides around 12,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities to Sri Lankans. More importantly, global ship and boat manufacturing is a promising exports sector.

Sri Lankan ICT companies at GITEX 2014 in Dubai

Daily FT/ 16/10/2014

Six Sri Lankan ICT companies, Brandix I3 Ltd., hSenid Software International, Microimage Ltd., Negete Ltd., Pyxle Ltd. and AP Lanka Ltd. are exhibiting their software products and services at ‘GITEX Technology Week’ from 12 to 16 October at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) organised the country pavilion in coordination with the Sri Lanka Consulate General in Dubai.

The Sri Lankan ICT sector is aggressively looking for business opportunities on a global scale. Sri Lankan ICT companies are exporting software products and services to regions such as North America, the EU, Australia, East Asia, Middle East and Africa. Their core competencies include automated application testing, infrastructure outsourcing, high-end R&D, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), cloud technology, mobile applications and many other business solutions.

This year, there are 3,700 companies from 61 countries exhibiting under the show’s four knowledge themes: smart, cloud, big data and mobility.

The Gitex Technology Week 2014 sees the debut of a series of conferences catering to more than 100,000 information and communication technology professionals and 150 speakers. These conferences include Cloud Confex, Big Data Conference and Digital Strategies Forum.

Consul General of Sri Lanka in Dubai, Abdul Raheem, met Sri Lankan participants at the Sri Lanka pavilion and also hosted a welcome dinner along with members of the Sri Lankan business community in Dubai. Sri Lanka Business Council Chairman Farook Kassim and other senior members attended the event.
Raheem said that Sri Lanka’s continuous participation at the GITEX exhibition will help Sri Lankan ICT companies to penetrate the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region as Dubai is the gateway to this growing market.

Sri Lanka Pavilion at Gardex / IFEX 2014 on Oct. 15-17 in Japan

news.lk - 15/10/2014

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Embassy in Tokyo, Japan, has organized a Sri Lanka Pavilion at the Gardex / IFEX 2014 International Garden Exhibition from October 15 to 17 in Japan.

Eight (08) leading Sri Lankan exporting companies from Coconut Based Substrate and a leading Foliage and Live Plants exporter exhibits at this event.

The Sri Lanka Country Pavilion showcases the following range of products during the event:

Coco peat grow bags
Coco peat planter bags
Coco peat bales, disks and briquette
Coir mattings
Coir pots and decorative Coconut shell pots
Cut foliage and potted plants
Japan is one of the main destinations for Coconut based substrate other than the EU countries and it shows a huge potential for further expansion through the demand created with their intensive farming systems.

Sri Lanka Export Development Board has organized Sri Lanka's participation at Gardex 2014 targeting Coconut based substrate, Cut foliage and potted plants.  This exhibition is targeting entire Gardening industry including Gardening Equipment, Floriculture and Gardening inputs.

Since this show is very popular in all other Asian countries such as Korea and China which are the other main target markets for Sri Lankan products, the participants could establish business linkages with these countries by participating at this event.

Boat Show 2014 to take centre stage in October

Daily News - 06/10/2014
By Indunil Hewage

South Asia’s premier boat show and fisheries exhibition, ‘Boat Show 2014’ organized by Boat Building Technology Improvement Institute (BTI), Sri Lanka Export Development Board and Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services will take centre stage from October 10-12, 2014 at the Dickowita Fisheries Harbour under the theme ‘Promotion of Leisure Boating in Sri Lanka’

The main objective of the event is to attract buyers from all corners of the globe, while positioning Sri Lanka as the hub for the industry in South Asia and to develop a forum between buyers and sellers to facilitate industry growth.

The exhibition has been designed to provide an even larger and more diverse show for enthusiasts and industry professionals from India, Pakistan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Singapore, South Korea,China, Germany, Netherlands, UK and USA. The event will see the participation of over 30 delegates and boating and marina business specialists who will share knowledge and expertise.

The main feature of this year’s event will be the meeting of the International Marina Group of the ICOMIA, concentrating on the promotion of marina development and the development of leisure boating tourism.

Specific sections on exhibition will include segments for boat builders, life rafts, fishing boats and equipment, water sports equipment and accessories, outboard engine parts and services and boat interiors. The total exhibition will cover over 44 wide facets of the industry in terms of both industrial and recreational fishery as well as boating and leisure.

Jan-August exports up by 14%’-Rishad

Asian Tribune - 26/09/2014

Rishad Bathiudeen (Minister of Industry and Commerce of Sri Lanka-second from left) prepares to address the Fifth National Exporters Forum held at EDB on 25 September as Anura Siriwardene (Secretary, Ministry of Industry and Commerce-far left), Bandula Egodage (Chairman & CEO-EDB-third from left), Sujatha Weerakoone (DG-EDB-far right) look on.

Sri Lanka’s January-August exports have surged by a strong 14%, as announced on 25 September. And more than 110 exporters and Chamber reps have thronged the fifth national Exporters’ Forum in Colombo.

“I am pleased to say that according to the latest provisional data by EDB, January to August 2014 exports have increased by a strong 14.03% to $ 7.34 Bn. As committed exporters, it is your valuable efforts that can help us, to move our target, of $ 20 Billion exports, by 2020, under the committed vision, of HE the President Mahinda Rajapaksa” said a satisfied Rishad Bathiudeen (Minister of Industry and Commerce of Sri Lanka) on 25 September.

Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) Secretary General Tuli Cooray raises an issue on behalf of apparel exporters at the Fifth National Exporters Forum on 25 September.

Minister Bathiudeen was addressing the fifth national Exporters Forum organised by the EDB on 25 September. More than 120 reps from 50 companies and various Chambers-including Hayleys, Expolanka, Enrich Tea, Earnst & Young, DSI, Netle, Acquamarine, and Printcare as well as such chambers as Ceylon Association of Ships' Agents, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, National Chamber of Exportes, Planters Association, JAAF-took part in the session. Also taking part were Anura Siriwardene (Secretary, Ministry of industry and Commerce), Bandula Egodage (Chairman-EDB), Sujatha Weerakoone (DG-EDB) and top officials of Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

“As committed exporters, it is your valuable efforts that can help us, to move our target, of $ 20 Billion exports, by 2020, under the committed vision, of HE the President Mahinda Rajapaksa” said Minister Bathuiudeen, and added: ”It is here, that I wish to thank you all sincerely for our positive export growth trend. In that I am pleased to say that according to the latest provisional data by EDB, January to August 2014 exports have increased by 14.03% to $7.34 Bn, in comparison to 2013 January-August exports. I am pleased to say that even monthly exports for August 2014, have increased by 2.4%, to $ 978 Mn, from July 2014’s $955 Mn.”

According to the latest provisional data, this increase is seen across all sectors. January to August increase have been led by agricultural products at $ 1.778 Bn increasing by 3.18%, manufacturing at $1.623 Bn increasing by 2.5%, apparel at $ 3.24 Bn increasing by 0.65%, industrial products at $5.343 Bn increasing by 0.91%, Ceylon tea at 1.07 Bn increasing by 3.09%, coconut exports at $356 Mn increasing by 4.2%, and other export crops at $ 315 Mn, increasing by 4.7%. Due to international rubber price decline, natural rubber exports show a decline.

Almost one fourth of issues listed in 25 Exporters’ Forum agenda were resolved successfully.

“These positive outcomes also are a result of the approach adopted by the EDB under my Ministry. In other words it is a result of all our collective engagement and efforts” Minister Bathiudeen said.

More than 100 reps from various government institutions including the Customs, Treasury, BoI, University of Moratuwa, EDB, Ministries of Industry and Commerce, Agriculture, Industrial Development Board, the Ports Authority, and Exchange Control Department too were present to answer exporter queries.

Sri Lankan Agricultural Delegation visit Israel

SLEDB organized  a technical exposure and awareness programme in Israel from 10-15 September 2014, for a group of growers of the Sri Lanka Protected Agriculture Entrepreneurs Association in the Central province, to provide  training & awareness on  intensive cultivation methods of fresh fruits & vegetables , other protected agriculture systems, efficient management of water resources & soil, open field irrigation methods, post harvest handling, export packaging  and  marketing.

The programme was conducted with the assistance of the Honorary Consulate of the Israel, The Sri Lankan Embassy in Israel, MASHAV (Israel's Agency for International Development Cooperation) and CINADCO  (Center for International Agricultural Development Cooperation) which is functioning under the Department of Agriculture & Rural Development in Israel.

This  professional program aimed to share with the participants Israel’s approach and experience concerning the development of its horticultural sector and to create a framework for discussion and exchange of knowledge between the participants, Israeli professionals and farmers. The program also included exposure to milk and honey production, small scale agricultural entrepreneurship, a meeting with Israeli companies at the Israeli Export Institute as well as a glance to Israel's history and culture.

The six-day visit allowed participants to get acquainted with intensive and high tech horticulture production systems, post harvest and marketing management  while understanding the challenges and policies of supporting institutions responsible for  research, extension and plant protection & inspection services.

Ceylon Chamber, EDB to lead business mission to Indonesia in October

Daily FT - 23/09/2014

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce together with the Export Development Board of Sri Lanka is making arrangements to lead a business delegation to Indonesia, to explore trade, investment and tourism opportunities in that country.

The Joint Business Promotion Mission to Indonesia will take place from 7 to 11 October, which coincides with the Sri Lanka – Indonesia Joint Economic Commission meeting to be held in Jakarta.

The members of the delegation are also expected to attend the Sri Lanka – Indonesia Business Forum to be held on 9 October, which will see a large number of Indonesia businessmen also taking part.
A B2B session has also been organised between the businessmen of both countries, while a visit to the 29th Trade Expo Indonesia 2014 which will take place from 8 to 12 October 2014 is also on the cards for the Lankan delegation.

The exhibition showcases some of the best Indonesian export products from the industrial, mining, agricultural and craft sectors.

Interested Sri Lankan businessmen who want to join the delegation to explore trade, investment and tourism opportunities in Indonesia, can do so by contacting Harshini on 5588859 or via harshinif@chamber.lk.

EDB calls for full Lankan exporter registration

Asian Tribune - 19/09/2014

Sujatha Weerakoone (DG-EDB-far left) addresses the “How to Export Quality Fruit & Vegetable to the EU Region” session held at EDB on 16 September as Ms Champika Hewage (OIC, Plant Quarantine Station, Sea Port, Colombo-second from left, seated), Dr Yousuf Maraikkar (ED-EDB-third from left) and Ruwanthi Ariyaratne (Asst. Director-Department of Commerce) look on.

Sujatha Weerakoone (DG-EDB) addresses "How to Export Quality Fruit and Vegetable to the EU Region" session held at the EDB auditorium recently.

Sri Lanka's apex export entity has issued a clarion call to the country's exporter community to register with it and enlist in its surging database on 16 September. "Some non-registered exporters, unaware of procedures have brought a bad reputation for Sri Lanka. It is time all Lankan exporters register with EDB" voiced a keen Sujatha Weerakoone (DG-EDB) on 16 September in Colombo.

DG Weerakoone was addressing "How to Export Quality Fruit & Vegetable to the EU Region" session held at EDB on 16 September.

Recently, the European Commission Director General of Health and Consumers has informed the national Plant Quarantine Services of Sri Lanka that some consignments of fresh fruits and vegetables (only) exported to EU and Switzerland were contaminated with pests, detecting that of 350 fresh fruits and vegetables (only) consignments that entered EU from 2011 to date, 292 were contaminated with pests.

As per Customs Department data, 3650 exporters of all scales were active in 2013 which included both EDB registered and non-registered exporters. As of 2014 July, 3170 such active Lankan exporters have been reported, both EDB registered and non-registered. Interestingly, EDB statistics indicate that 227,853 companies, individuals, and SMEs have been registered with EDB as exporters since 01 August 1985, getting into active exports at one time or another.

Sri Lanka starts work on global consumer compliance

Asian Tribune - 21/09/2014

From left: Sujatha Weerakoone (DG-EDB), Antony Taubman (Director of the WTO’s Intellectual Property Rights Division), Anura Siriwardene (Secretary, Ministry of Industry and Commerce), Gretchen Stanton (Senior Counsellor, World Trade Organization) and RDS Kumararatne (DG-DoC) at the 18 September WTO session in Colombo.

Sri Lanka has begun compliance work on the global consumer end of its exports basket on 18 September. And no less than two top experts from Geneva’s WTO are in town to facilitate the pioneering effort.

“Today, more countries around the world continue to reduce their border tariffs, either unilaterally or through an increasing number of free trade agreements, called as RTAs-Regional Trade Agreements. Non-tariff barriers such as SPS and TBT measures have begun to create a significant impact on international trade. Unfortunately, most of these measures appear to be highly complex and increasingly challenging” said Anura Siriwardene (Secretary, Ministry of Industry and Commerce) on 18 September in Colombo.

Anura Siriwardene (Secretary, Ministry of Industry and Commerce) addresses the 18 September WTO session in Colombo.

Secretary Siriwardena, on behalf of Rishad Bathiudeen (Minister of Industry and Commerce), was delivering the keynote address at the “National Seminar on WTO Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures” held at the auditorium of EDB on 18 September. The first ever session to be held in partnership with WTO in Sri Lanka on SPS measures, the two day intensive program is conducted in Colombo by WTO Geneva’s Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation and organised by the EDB and the Department of Commerce, both under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. 18 September session also saw more than 75 reps from 16 firms including CIC Agri Produce Export Ltd, Eastern Allied Agency Ltd, Ceylon Agro Industries, Basilur Tea, Akbar Bros, and Adamjee and Lukmanjee Ltd, eagerly taking part. Also at the session were Sujatha Weerakoone (DG-EDB), RDS Kumararatne (DG-DoC), Dr Yousuf Maraikkar (ED-EDB), and members of the Spice Council including Sarada de Silva (Immediate Past Chairman of the Spice Council). Representing Geneva’s WTO were the two experts-Ms Gretchen Stanton (Senior Counsellor, World Trade Organization-formerly with the US Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service) and Antony Taubman (Director of the WTO’s Intellectual Property Rights Division). “SPS measures” pertain to the international export standards to be adhered to by Lankan exporters when exporting food, animal and plant produce.

As for exports, on 17 September, the Central Bank announced that month of July 2014 exports to be at $955Mn, resulting in 2014 January-July total exports at $6.4 Bn.

“The SPS Agreement is one of the key legal instruments of the WTO-led multilateral trading system. It prevents countries from using various food safety and animal & plant health standards as disguised trade restrictive measures. Therefore, this seminar, will, no doubt, be a highly useful exercise, particularly for the private sector businesses, whose merchandise has to satisfy various SPS requirements on both sides of the borders, as well as all the government authorities, which are responsible for Sri Lanka’s own SPS regime. On behalf of every participant, I would, therefore, like to convey my heartfelt gratitude to the WTO for its most valuable cooperation extended in organizing this seminar” said Secretary Siriwardena, and added: “Today, more and more countries around the world continue to reduce their border tariffs, either unilaterally or through an increasing number of free trade agreements, which are broadly known as Regional Trade Agreements or RTAs in short. The extremely slow progress observed within the Doha Round of Negotiations appears to be the main reason for these mushrooming RTAs. According to the WTO itself, the number of notified RTAs had reached as many as 585 by the middle of this year, while 379 of them were in force. Against this backdrop, non-tariff barriers such as SPS and TBT measures have begun to create a significant impact on international trade. Unfortunately, most of these measures appear to be highly complex and increasingly challenging. Some of them have become even very expensive to comply with. As a result, the LDCs and the resource-poor developing countries, which do not have sophisticated SPS infrastructure at their disposal, are placed at a very disadvantaged position in the international market place. As the Secretary, responsible for Sri Lanka’s foreign trade, I am deeply concerned about the numerous difficulties our entrepreneurs, who make a vital contribution in our economy, continue to encounter in different export destinations. As most of you know already, the Government of Sri Lanka under the leadership of HE the President Mahinda Rajapaksa, has set an ambitious target in achieving $ 20 B exports by 2020. Though ambitious, this is not an impossible target, provided we get our act together and the economic conditions around the world remain conducive. My ministry and every institution that falls within its purview look forward to working very closely with our all stakeholders in this achieving this goal by 2020. In this context, we remain strongly committed to our business community, paving the way for them to play their role in the post-conflict development efforts of the island through job creation and export earnings.”

RDS Karunaratne (DG-Department of Commerce) addressing the event, said: “With increasing trade among WTO members, comes growing health concerns about the goods crossing their borders. As a result of use of SPS increasing. At times they serve to protect the importing country and other times, they act as non-tariff barriers. Sri Lanka is facing a number of SPS related tariffs when it comes to exports. For Sri Lanka, which trying to expand exports, this issue is a serious obstacle. At the same time as a net food importer, and as a country with liberal trade regime, Sri Lanka too needs to learn of the SPS measures to protect its own consumers. As a WTO member, Lanka’s policies too need to be adjusted in par with international trade regimes. Therefore this session will contribute towards a better understanding of this important set of standards.”

Sri Lanka looks to dress more Brazilians

Daily FT - 22/09/2014

First ever top Lankan apparel industry delegation kicks off promotion in giant South American market
By Shabiya Ali Ahlam

Sri Lanka’s apparel sector is looking to dress more Brazilians as the first ever industry delegation kicks off a promotional tour today to tap potential in the giant South American market.

In an effort to expand the buyer base for Lankan apparels, the Export Development Board (EDB) and the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) together with the Sri Lanka Embassy in Brazil has organised the six day promotional program from 22 to 27 September.

The delegation comprises nine companies – Brandix Lanka Ltd, Hirdramani Group of Companies, E. A. M.  Maliban Textiles Ltd, Timex Garments Ltd, Classic Garment Ltd, Stylish Garments Ltd, Trendy Connections Ltd, Globe Knitting Ltd and Rakshaa Ltd.

They will be showcasing a variety of products ranging from Men’s wear, Women’s wear, Formal wear, Business wear, Sportswear, Denim wear, Casual wear, Active wear, Babies and Children’s wear, Lingerie, Beach wear and Stockings and Hosiery.

The promotional tour includes B2B meetings and a mini exhibition for the first three days followed by visits to corporate offices of apparel buyers.

A key objective of the initiative is to explore market opportunities and establish direct contacts with prospective buyers in Brazil that has an apparel, textile and clothing market estimated at $ 37.2 billion overall and growing at 7 % per annum. Brazil imported $ 6.7 billion worth of textiles and clothing in 2013.

Industry believes Sri Lanka has much to do to be a part of that market as data from EDB indicates that it currently contributes only 0.40% of Brazil’s apparel imports. Currently Brazil’s top sources for apparel imports are China (61.29%), followed by Bangladesh (6.96%) and India (6.11%).

While Brazil is recognised to be of the most promising emerging economies in the world, the EDB and the JAAF noted it as one of the largest upcoming markets in the world fashion industry. In addition to importing fashion clothing, the country also has a well developed fashion industry of its own that comprises of many local brands and designers that are internationally renowned.

Apparel exports in the first seven months of this year have increased by 19% to $ 2.83 billion. In 2013 earnings from apparel rose by 13% YOY, to $ 4.5 billion surpassing the $ 4 billion target set by the apparel industry. Exports to the EU and the US recorded annual growth of 6.8% and 21%.Sri Lanka is working towards achieving an apparel exports target of $ 10 billion dollars by 2016 and it has greater ambitions to occupy a position among the world’s top 10 apparel exporting countries by 2020.