‘75% of our exporters are SMEs’

The Island - 14/03/2014

Sujatha Weerakoon (DG-EDB-far left) addresses the audience at EDB facilitated Internationalisation of SMEs session by PUM Netherlands senior experts on March 14. Seated at head table (at centre) is Dutch Tech Transfer Expert Cees Van Dijl.

SMEs are the backbone of our economy and more importantly, they are at the level of exports too! "Of the more than 4000 of Sri Lankan export firms, 75% are SMEs. Therefore we have a huge responsibility to groom them to become large scale export firms" said Sujatha Weerakoon (DG-EDB).

DG-EDB Weerakoon was addressing the EDB facilitated "Internationalisation of SMEs session by PUM Netherlands senior experts" session held at EDB on March 14.

"Large firms do the exports on their own but we have to have a strong second tier. EDB is looking at SMEs very seriously, closely, allocating a whole division within EDB for its development. PUM senior experts are offering their valuable services free of charge and we can utilise their services to strengthen SME capacity building and go to the next level in exports. I am thankful for PUM Netherlands and more importantly to the government of Netherlands for the support given to us. In fact, the government of Netherlands has increased its expert supply quota to Sri Lanka."

"The Netherland government backed PUM Netherlands senior experts program operates in 70 countries in almost all sectors" said Dutch Tech Transfer Expert Cees Van Dijl, addressing the event. "We connect entrepreneurs in developing countries and emerging markets with senior experts from the Netherlands each of whom has gained at least 30 years of experience in a business environment. Our Sri Lanka support and consultancy are absolutely free! Our 3,200 volunteers advise 2,000 entrepreneurs annually in almost every field imaginable: from logistics to welding techniques, and from the hotel & catering trade to carpentry. PUM is already supporting more than 350 SMEs in Sri Lanka" Van Dijl added.

China starts Sri Lanka agro value chain studies

The Island - 13/03/2014

Fujian, China’s emerging high growth province, is eager for more Sri Lankan exports to its demanding marketplace-and a visiting delegation to Colombo pushed for direct links with Lankan businesses on 06 March in Colombo. "Sri Lanka has been rebuilt as the pearl of the Indian Ocean. And I agree with you that both sides can mutually benefit in many sectors of cooperation, including trade. In fact, we want Sri Lanka – Fujian trade to grow in Sri Lanka’s favour" said a keen (HE) Song Kening (Director-General of Fujian Provincial Foreign Affairs) on 06 March in Colombo.

Director-General Kening was addressing the Sri Lankan business team led by Bandula Egodage (Chairman/CEO, EDB) along with Dr Yousuf Maraikkar (ED, EDB), Sujatha Weerakoone (DG, EDB) and EDB sectoral representatives on 06 March at EDB premises, Colombo.

Director-General Kening is now in Colombo on a three day official visit leading a 21-member strong business and investment delegation (which he termed as an Economic delegation) from Fujian Province, China, facilitated by EDB (for B2B as well as networking). Director-General Kening, who handles foreign relations of Fujian, is in par with the rank of any Chinese Provincial Foreign Minister.

Among the leading Fujian firms and institutions in this Fujian delegation on 06 March were China National Engineering Research Centre of JUNCAO Technology, Fujian Agriculture & Forestry University, Centron Communication Technologies Fujian Co, Fuzhon Xinbei Bio-Chemical Industry Co, Yuangdong Huamei electric Motors, Gold Billras Water Environmental Engineering Co, Fujian Minwell Industrial Co, Fujian ABLE Motor Group Co, Ningde Junlv Agriculture Co, Ningde Hongdi Hotel Co, Fuzon Fanrong Jewelry Co, and Beijing Guo Chatang Health Technological Development Co. Among the Sri Lankan biz taking part, facilitated by EDB, were Tropical Foods, Global Seafoods, Hayleys Fibre, Micro Cars PLC, Diesel & Motor Engineering PLC (DIMO), Electronics Manufacturers and Exporters Association of Sri Lanka, Ceylon National Chamber of Industries, SLAMERP, Raigam Marketing, Global Rubber Industries, COSTI, Nature’s Beauty Creations, Sri Lanka Chamber of Garment Exporters and FGM Lanka, among others. During 06 March meeting, Lankan fisheries/seafood, tea, gem & jewellery, tourism, electronics and cosmetics appeared to have drawn the immediate attention of the visiting Fujian delegation.

China’s Fujian business delegation in town

Daily Nation - 07/03/2014

Bandula Egodage, Chairman/CEO, EDB-right, meets Song Kening, Director-General of Fujian Provincial Foreign Affairs-seated next to Mr Egodage

Visiting business delegation from China’s emerging high growth province Fujian has shown interest in more Lankan exports into its demanding marketplace and has pushed for direct links with Lankan businesses.

“Sri Lanka has been rebuilt as the pearl of the Indian Ocean. And I agree with you that both sides can mutually benefit in many sectors of cooperation, including trade. In fact, we want Sri Lanka – Fujian trade to grow in Sri Lanka’s favour” said Director-General of Fujian Provincial Foreign affairs Kening addressing the Sri Lankan business team led by Bandula Egodage, Chairman/CEO, EDB along with Dr Yousuf Maraikkar ,ED, EDB, Sujatha Weerakoone DG, EDB and EDB sectoral representatives.

Kening is now in Colombo on a three day official visit leading a 21-member strong business and investment delegation (which he termed as an Economic delegation) from Fujian Province, China, facilitated by EDB (for B2B as well as networking). Kening, who handles foreign relations of Fujian, is in par with the rank of any Chinese Provincial Foreign Minister.

Among the leading Fujian firms and institutions in the delegation were China National Engineering Research Centre of JUNCAO Technology, Fujian Agriculture & Forestry University, Centron Communication Technologies  Fujian Co, Fuzhon Xinbei Bio-Chemical Industry Co, Yuangdong Huamei electric Motors, Gold Billras Water Environmental Engineering Co, Fujian Minwell Industrial Co, Fujian ABLE Motor Group Co, Ningde Junlv Agriculture Co, Ningde Hongdi Hotel Co, Fuzon Fanrong Jewelry Co, and Beijing Guo Chatang Health Technological Development Co.

Among the Sri Lankan biz taking part, facilitated by EDB, were Tropical Foods, Global Seafoods, Hayleys Fibre, Micro Cars PLC, Diesel & Motor Engineering PLC (DIMO), Electronics Manufacturers and Exporters Association of Sri Lanka, Ceylon National Chamber of Industries, SLAMERP, Raigam Marketing, Global Rubber Industries, COSTI, Nature’s Beauty Creations, Sri Lanka Chamber of Garment Exporters and FGM Lanka, among others. During 06 Thursday’s meeting, Lankan fisheries/seafood, tea, gem & jewellery, tourism, electronics and cosmetics appeared to have drawn the immediate attention of the visiting Fujian delegation.

“Investment, tourism and trade –all these are aspects of commercial diplomacy” said EDB Chairman/CEO Egodage, who warmly welcomed Fujian Director-General Kening and the delegation to EDB. “We should not restrict ourselves to discussions but also set up an action plan after this session. I also urge potential partners at both sides to forge direct contacts with each other right here. Both sides can mutually benefit in many sectors of cooperation, including trade” Egodage added.

“Sri Lanka has been rebuilt as the pearl of the Indian Ocean. And I agree with you that both sides can mutually benefit in many sectors of cooperation, including trade” responded Director-General Kening, and added: “Post-war Sri Lanka’s economic momentum is good. We are confident of Sri Lanka’s progress and very happy to partner with Sri Lanka.

There is also good cooperation between people of Sri Lanka and Fujian and Fujian government attaches great importance to this connection. With this visit, we aim for stronger ties, friendship and networking mechanism. This delegation is only 21 members but they represent the typical business sector of Fujian. During this visit, we want to establish direct links with Lankan entrepreneurs and Fujian businesses. We sincerely appreciate Sri Lanka EDB’s efforts to this end. In 2013, Fujian province exported $ 170 Mn to Sri Lanka while it imported only $ 13 Mn goods from Sri Lanka. We want Sri Lanka – Fujian trade to grow in Sri Lanka’s favour.

With this latest initiative, there is opportunity for more Sri Lankan products to enter the Fujian market. Lack of natural disasters, strong ocean resources and access, mild, stable year-round weather are very attractive “Lankan factors” for Fujian businesses and investors. You see, China is a huge seafood consumer. Many Lankan seafood exporters present here today arranged by EDB, are therefore a very encouraging situation to us!”

Sri Lanka German trade tops US$ 852 mn

Daily News - 10/03/2014

A visitor making enquiries at the Sri Lankan ITB stand 

Sri Lanka German trade has hit record heights last year with the total trade turnover exceeding US$ 852 million.

G. L. Gnanatheva, First Secretary (Commercial) Sri Lankan Embassy in Germany said that total trade turnover was in the excess of US $ 771million. In 2012 Sri Lanka exported goods to Germany to the tune of US$ 452 million while German exports to Sri Lanka stood at US$ 319

He said that for the first time trade balance too has narrowed from US$133 million to US$ 83 million.

Sri Lankan exports to Germany included tea, apparels and electronic equipment based products manufactured in the Free Trade Zone.

He said that most of the exports from Germany to Sri Lanka are automobiles with Mercedes Benz and BMW leading the way. Other exports from Germany to Sri Lanka include medical equipment and machinery.

Sri Lanka German diplomatic relations are very strong and cordial and this too was a reason for additional trade.

He also said that Sri Lanka is a preferred destination for German tourists which is currently number three to Sri Lanka. Over a decade ago Germany was the highest tourism contributor to Sri Lanka.

Germany is Sri Lanka's second largest investor from the European Union. Many of the German companies operating in Sri Lanka are global leaders in their field. 

Cinnamon exports rise by 6.4% to $ 129.5 mn

Daily News - 03/03/2014

Bandula Egodage (Chairman/CEO, EDB-at centre) with Dr Yousuf Maraikkar (ED, EDB-left) and Sujatha Weerakoone (DG, EDB-right)

Ceylon Cinnamon, which is Sri Lanka’s second global brand, has secured its trademark in two more leading markets-with one more country application in the registration process. ”I commend the EDB’s Agro division for their efforts on this initiative” said Bandula Egodage (Chairman/CEO, EDB) on 27 February in Colombo.

Chairman Egodage was addressing the monthly review meeting of EDB last week when he was informed by EDB’s agro division of the latest development on Ceylon Cinnamon.

Accordingly, Ceylon Cinnamon trademark is now official in Peru and Columbia-having completed trademark registration in both these markets -and EDB is now awaiting for certificates. EDB is also in the process of accessing Mexico market as well, through its Madrid registration process due to Mexico’s WIPO/Madrid membership in it. In fact, in 2012, Mexico was the topmost buyer of Ceylon Cinnamon for the fifth year in running since 2008.

In 2012, Sri Lanka’s Ceylon Cinnamon exports stood at $129.53 Mn, growing by 6.4% from 2011’s $121.18 Mn. In Y’12, the biggest buyer was Mexico followed by US, Peru, Columbia, and Ecuador.

Ceylon Cinnamon already received official certification in EU and US. Ceylon Cinnamon has been Sri Lanka’s leading spice unique in quality, and the way it is produced. It has global market monopoly of 90% in true cinnamon.

The Ceylon Cinnamon Brand Promotion Programme was launched by the EDB with the objective of differentiating ‘Ceylon Cinnamon’ from other low quality substitutes in the international market and under this programme the ‘Ceylon Cinnamon’ Brand and ‘Ceylon Cinnamon’ Logo were ceremonially unveiled by H.E the President Mahinda Rajapksa in parallel to the Presidential Export Award ceremony held in June 2011.

EDB now holds the ownership of ‘Pure Ceylon Cinnamon’ Trademark which was introduced to the world by the Sri Lanka government as the second national Brand for agriculture products after ‘Pure Ceylon Tea’.

Ceylon Cinnamon secures two more int’l trademarks

The Island - 28/02/2014

Mr. Bandula Egodage (Chairman/CEO, EDB)

Ceylon Cinnamon, which is Sri Lanka’s second global brand, has secured its trademark in two more leading markets-with one more country application in the registration process. "I commend the EDB’s Agro division for their efforts on this initiative" said Bandula Egodage (Chairman/CEO, EDB).

Chairman Egodage was addressing the monthly review meeting of EDB on February 27 when he was informed by EDB’s agro division of the latest development on Ceylon Cinnamon.

Accordingly, Ceylon Cinnamon trademark is now official in Peru and Columbia-having completed trademark registration in both these markets -and EDB is now awaiting certificates. EDB is also in the process of accessing Mexico market as well, through its Madrid registration process due to Mexico’s WIPO/Madrid membership in it. In fact, in 2012, Mexico was the topmost buyer of Ceylon Cinnamon for the fifth year in running since 2008.

In 2012, Sri Lanka’s Ceylon Cinnamon exports stood at $129.53 Mn, growing by 6.4% from 2011’s $121.18 Mn. In Y’12, the biggest buyer was Mexico followed by US, Peru, Columbia, and Ecuador.

Ceylon Cinnamon already received official certification in EU and US. Ceylon Cinnamon has been Sri Lanka’s leading spice unique in quality, and the way it is produced. It has global market monopoly of 90% in true cinnamon. The Ceylon Cinnamon Brand Promotion Programme was launched by the EDB with the objective of differentiating ‘Ceylon Cinnamon’ from other low quality substitutes in the international market and under this programme the ‘Ceylon Cinnamon’ Brand and ‘Ceylon Cinnamon’ Logo were ceremonially unveiled by President Mahinda Rajapksa in parallel to the Presidential Export Award ceremony held in June 2011.

EDB now holds the ownership of ‘Pure Ceylon Cinnamon’ trademark which was introduced to the world by the Sri Lanka government as the second national brand for agriculture products after ‘Pure Ceylon Tea’.

SL-Iraq trade talks begin in Baghdad

Daily Mirror - 27/02/2014

The latest Sri Lanka-Iraq Joint Committee for Economic Cooperation (JEC) Commenced February 25 in Baghdad, a statement from the Industry and Commerce Ministry said.

“Iraq is certainly an important market for us not only for tea but even for other prospective products. Similarly, there would be good opportunities for Iraq to promote its products using Sri Lanka’s potential,” said Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen, making his opening remarks at the eighth session of Sri Lanka Iraq Joint Committee for Economic Cooperation (JEC) meeting in Baghdad, heading a 16-member delegation.

On its part, displaying an unprecedented interest, the Iraqi government was fielding an official team of more than 30 members that consisted representatives from such key Iraqi Ministries as Trade, Economic Relations, Transportation and Industry and Minerals. The Iraqi team at the Baghdad JEC session was led by Trade Minister Kheer-allah Hassan Babaker Muhammad.

Iraqi Trade Minister Babaker Muhammad said, “Iraq side is keen to share the experiences of Sri Lanka, particularly in the fields of investment promotion, free trade zones, financial and health sectors.”

According to the Commerce Department of Sri Lanka, the value of total trade between the two countries that stood at US $ 8.72 million in 2003 topped US $ 89.99 million in 2013.

Sri Lanka exported goods totalling US $ 89.80 million to Iraq and imported only goods worth US $ 0.19 million from Iraq during 2013. Tea has been a major export item to Iraq accounting for about 95 percent of Sri Lanka’s exports to Iraq, with an estimated 15,000MT of Ceylon tea being exported indirectly through Dubai, Jordan and Kuwait.

Minister Bathiudeen said, “The establishment of the Joint Committee for Economic Cooperation between our two countries in 1975, opened a new chapter in our cooperation for development and enhancing our relations in diverse fields covering trade, economic and technical cooperation. On bilateral trade, we observe that there is a very slow progress, which may be due to the prevailing circumstances.

There is a lot of renewed interest among the foreign investors in investment in prospective projects in different sectors. Sri Lanka’s highly literate skilled labour force, transparent investment laws guaranteed by the Constitution and the international agreements, have made Sri Lanka one of the most preferred investment destination among the international business community. I wish to take this opportunity to invite the Iraq business community to visit Sri Lanka and explore the opportunities available for them in their areas of interest.”