Rishad leading strong biz delegation to Kunming kick-off

Asian Tribune - 07/06/2014

Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister of Industry and Commerce of Sri Lanka addresses the seventh China - South Asia Business Forum (CSABF) held at the Convention Centre of Kunming City in Yunnan Province, China, in 2012 June.

As bilateral trade with China crossed $ 3 Bn, one of the biggest ever trade and business delegations from Sri Lanka is flying to grace the 22nd Kunming international Fair in China which kicks off tomorrow June 06.

“Sri Lanka has been taking part in this event when it was held for the first time in Beijing in 2007. With one of the biggest EDB supported delegations, we are hopeful of good results this year as well” said an upbeat Rishad Bathiudeen (Minister of Industry and Commerce) on the eve of 04 June.

Minister Bathiudeen was speaking to his top officials prior to his departure on the eve 04 June to take part in the second China–South Asia Expo and 22nd Kunming Fair held in Kunming, China. In this tour, the EDB functioning under Minister Bathiudeen is facilitating no less than 118 Lankan business reps –one of the biggest B2B delegations to Kunming from Sri Lanka-who are joining Minister Bathiudeen and his team of five other officials.

The Kunming Fair has become one of the four top annual events (such as the Canton Fair) in China’s trade calendar. Due to its high prominence in the trillion dollar GDP nation, the Kunming Fair has become the second biggest annual fair in the South West China region. Sri Lanka has consistently been one of the strongest South Asian participants at this expo.

The 118 companies and businesses facilitated by EDB represent such diverse product and service sectors as tea, gem and jewelry, arts, crafts and handicrafts, coconut fiber, ayurvedic and herbal products, and even gem cutting and polishing. Sources from Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) said that 22 business reps from the Chamber representing such firms as Asian Promoters, Rainbow Travels and Tours, Christ Gems and Jewellers, Senira Lanka, are headed to Kunming at the second China–South Asia Expo and 22nd Kunming Fair which will commence tomorrow 06 June and will end on 10 June. The fair is jointly hosted by China’s Ministry of Commerce, the Governments of Yunnan, Sichuan, Chongqing, Guizhou, Guangxi and Tibet, and Chengdu Municipal (People’s) Government.

The total trade turnover between China and South Asia rose to $ 92 Bn in 2012. According to the Department of Commerce, China’s trade with Sri Lanka stood at US $ 3,084.22 Mn ($ 3 Bn) in 2013.

International Education Fair 2014 Malé A Promotion of Sri Lankan Education in Maldives

Sunday Times - 07/06/2014

“International Education Fair 2014”; an annual education promotion programme will be held on 13th& 14th June at the Art Gallery - Malé. This s being organized for the fourth consecutive time and this time it is being organized as a national event by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) in collaboration with the Sri Lanka High Commission in Maldives and Millennium Concepts –Maldives. AOD – The International Design Campus – Sri Lanka joins hands with them as the Gold Sponsor.
This promotional programme mainly includes the “Study in Sri Lanka” concept and these two day exhibition will be followed by few Networking meetings with the Ministry of Education Malé.


The Maldivian Government encourages deserving Maldivian students to pursue higher studies overseas by granting education funding. There is also a constant growing demand among the youth to study overseas. There were 1,000 Scholarships which have been announced by the President in March 2014.   Promoting study opportunities, raising awareness of the company profile or generating sales leads can be achieved by participating in this event.

Millennium Concepts managed by Mr. Suresh Kumar Thirugnanasampanthar, an MBA graduate from United Kingdom is a young, potent and dynamic growing company,Singapore based education consulting firm having their liaison offices in Male, Colombo and East Africa. They have been working with leading Universities in Singapore, Malaysia, UK, Australia, Sri Lanka and New Zealand during the past 7 years since our incorporation in 2006. Millennium Concepts initiated this Education Fair Malé and successfully conducted 3 major exhibitions since 2012. The 4th Exhibition which is to be held on 13th& 14th June has been endeavored by the EDB as a national event.


More than 20 educational institutes based in Sri Lanka, and other institutes from Maldives, Singapore, UK and Australia will be participating in this programme to offer educational services to Maldivian students.  


The Millennium Concept and EDB work closely with the Ministry of Education, High Schools and teachers/referral network to reach out to the potential students in Male and Addu which is the second promising city in the south.  The event will be hosted at National Art Gallery Hall located in the heart of Male that is a marvel icon.  The event opening will be inaugurated by the Minister of Education  Malé and many other VIP’s which would get pre and post event publicity at media such as Haveeru, VTV & MNBC.  

EDB PAVILION AT FACETS SRI LANKA 2014

edirectory.lk 

An ideal opportunity for SMEs
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) will be organizing a special pavilion at FACETS SRI LANKA – International Gem & Jewellery Show 2014 to be held at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Center from 04th to 07th September 2014.

Objective
The objective of organizing this special pavilion is to give an opportunity for the SME Gem & Jewellery manufacturers to showcase their products and make use of the event as a platform for them to enter into the international market.

For whom
Small & Medium scale exporters / potential exporters manufacturing gold, silver and fashion jewellery.

Selection & Assistance
The EDB intends selecting 15-20 Small & Medium scale exporters / potential exporters manufacturing gold, silver and fashion jewellery to participate at the above show. The participants will be selected by an interview panel appointed by EDB.

Selected SMEs will be provided with space and display facilities by the EDB

Commitment by the participants
Selected SMEs will have to meet the full cost of production of sample jewellery collection under the guidance of the EDB.

Application procedure
Applications should be made on the prescribed form available at the Industrial Products Division of Sri Lanka Export Development Board, 6th Floor or the Provincial office of the EDB. The applications could also be downloaded from the EDB website www.srilankabusiness.com.

Duly completed application forms should be sent under registered post to reach the Director, Industrial Products, Sri Lanka Export Development Board, NDB/EDB Tower, No: 42, Navam Mawatha, Colombo 2, on or before 9th June 2014.
For further details please contact Mr. Harsha Pathberiya, Deputy Director Tel: 011-3135741 or 011-2300705 – 11 Ext. 354. Fax 011-2303025, Email: hdp [at] edb [dot] tradenetsl [dot] lk.

Rise in coconut product exports

Daily News - 03/06/2014

Sri Lanka’s coconut related exports increased by 86 percent during the first quarter of this year compared to 2011, Coconut Development and Janatha Estate Development Ministry sources said yesterday.

The Coconut Development and Janatha Estate Development Ministry was established in 2011 as a new Cabinet ministry. According to ministry statistics, during the first quarter of this year, Sri Lanka earned over Rs. 5,090 million from coconut related products, an 88 percent increase from the same period in 2011.

In the first quarter of 2011 it was Rs. 2,115 million. It increased annually and the total coconut related products export revenue in 2013 stood at Rs. 44,952 million. Sri Lanka exports 35 coconut related products to 135 countries.

The revenue from desiccated coconut exports increased by 306 percent, coconut cream and coconut milk exports increased by 220

percent and 100 percent in January this year compared to January last year, the statistics stated.

Meanwhile, ministry sources said king coconut exports also increased dramatically this year.

However, according to the sources, coconut based substrates were exported in the form of grow bags, coir pith bales, coir bulk forms, coir pots, husk chips and coir peat for which a great demand exists in the international market.

Substrates are exported as inputs in cultivation activities which are in demand in Canada, America, Eastern and Western Europe, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Russia and West Asia.

Pakistan likely to expand FTA trade with Sri Lanka

Daily News - 02/06/2014

Pakistan, Sri Lanka’s second largest trade partner in the region, has indicated interest in expanding its free trade agreement (FTA) trade with the island, creating growth in bilateral trade, which already exceeds the US $ 460 million mark, according to Sri Lanka’s trade ministry.

In a statement the ministry said that Pakistan’s High Commissioner Qasim Qureshi had indicated that his country looks forward to expand FTA trade by reducing sensitive items, thereby creating more opportunities for Lankan exporters.

The High Commissioner also stated that the composition of Pakistani working group for this year’s Ministerial level Joint Economic Commission (JEC) session had been finalised and the teams will span across four sectors namely, automotive, investment, customs cooperation and trade.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s trade minister Rishad Bathiudeen pointed out that a range of new Lankan products have penetrated into the Pakistan market after the implementation of the PSFTA. Among them are fresh pineapple, MDF boards, sports goods, tamarind, edible oil, porcelain tableware and kitchenware, ceramic tiles, furniture, electrical switches and sockets and herbal cosmetic products.

Pakistan’s first-ever international FTA partner was Sri Lanka when the Pakistan Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (PSFTA) came into force in June 2005. According to Sri Lanka’s Department of Commerce, the value of total trade between the two countries has increased by 330 percent during the last decade from US $ 107.1 million in 2003 to US $ 462.1 million in 2013.

Exports to Pakistan increased by 8 percent in 2013 as against US $ 351 million in 2012. Sri Lanka’s main exports to Pakistan include natural rubber, copra, tea, coconut, spices and betel leaves while main imports are cement, cotton, wheat, cane/ beet sugar, medicaments and iron and steel.

Lanka rides $60Bn global FOSS wave to help exporters, aiming cost advantage

Asian Tribune - 31/05/2014

Sujatha Weerakoone (DG-EDB) addresses the “Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) solutions for Lankan Exporters” session held on 29 May in Colombo as Dr A Ruwan Weerasinghe (Senior Lecturer-University of Colombo School of Computing-seated second from right) and Dr Yousuf Maraikkar (ED-EDB, seated far right) look on.

Sri Lanka has a favourable ‘per container cost to export’ rate of only $ 595. After reporting $1.07 Bn record exports in March, the country is now mulling a new high tech initiative to help exporters to lower this rate for added competitive advantage-while eager Lankan exporters are already testing to avail themselves to a portion of $60Bn global savings from Free and Open Source Software (FOSS).

“We want our exporters to be competitive and will go to great lengths to help them in it. We decided that it is time that our exporters adopt FOSS solutions to enhance their competitive advantage” said Sujatha Weerakoone (Director General-EDB) on 29 May in Colombo.

Director General Weerakoone was addressing the Lankan exporters at the “Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) solutions for Lankan Exporters” session held on 29 May in Colombo at EDB Auditorium.

The session was moderated by an eminent ICT industry expert panel consisting of Dr A Ruwan Weerasinghe (Senior Lecturer-University of Colombo School of Computing), Neschae Fernando (VP Strategy & Technology of Zone24x7, USA), Samisa Abeysinghe (VP, Developer Evangelism of WSO2), Suchetha Wijenayake (IT Consultant, Open Source Advocate-fossure.com) and Sampath Wickremesinghe (Technical Project Manager-Zone24x7). 52 reps from 39 Lankan firms in IT and non-IT sectors–including Shaw Wallace Ceylon Limited (Renuka Group), Sri Lanka Telecom, Akbar Brothers (Pvt) Ltd, Data Management Systems (Pvt) Ltd, LOLC Technologies, Open Arc Systems Pvt Ltd, SAITM Campus, McCallum Cargo (Pvt) Ltd, and Nordtex Pvt ltd-were taking part in the 29 May session.

Open software, also called as open source SW, was born as a substitute for expensive proprietary branded software but has grown today to become a free-of-license-cost and direct solution for many industrial and commercial applications. Latest international estimates showed that the 2013 global open source market totalling $ 8 Bn.

Among the big US firms recently taking (‘migrating’) to open source solutions are General Electric, Sears Holding Corp, Chevron Corp and MasterCard. According to the World Bank, Sri Lanka has a favourable ‘per container cost to export’ rate of only $ 595, same as Thailand, Morocco and only $5 more than Hong Kong. Tajikistan has the highest rate $ 8650. Sri Lanka has recorded $ 1.07 Bn exports for this march, YoY rise of 28.6%.

“We want our exporters to be competitive and we will go to great lengths to help them in it. We decided that it is time that our exporters adopt Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) solutions to enhance their competitive advantage specially in cost” said Director General Weerakoone, and added: “Today’s session is the kick-off. Popular proprietary and branded software are prohibitive when it comes to cost but open source solutions are of zero licencing or purchasing costs-they are free. Despite being free, they are as reliable as any paid software. Therefore we want our exporters to see about the specific solutions readily available for them. EDB is also mulling office automation support and enhanced market support for Lankan exporters in future.”

Dr A Ruwan Weerasinghe (Senior Lecturer-University of Colombo School of Computing), addressing the event said: “It is a myth that open source cannot be used at corporate levels or big companies. In fact, RedHat Linux’ SugarCRM open source software is already used by big corporations. Also another myth is that Open Source is not reliable-which is wrong. In fact, 60% of internet websites are placed on web servers running the open source server software called Apache. Yet another myth is that FOSS is hostile to intellectual property-in fact, the truth is FOSS too demands IP protection and Open Source Institute actively pursues them. If no open source license for the software given, then you are not using open source at all though it could be freeware. Open source software always shows the code to the user and makes it available for the user to modify as they wish.” ‘Join $60Bn global savings by use of FOSS’- Neschae Fernando (VP Strategy & Technology of Zone24x7, USA), addressing the exporters said that annual global costs savings from FOSS is $ 60 Bn. “Sweden saved $ 1 Bn and Denmark saved $ 500 Mn last year by using FOSS. The city of Largo, Florida reports a savings of $1 million per year –that is 40% of their annual budget!”

The Lankan exporter community’s interest was apparent immediately. As soon as the 29 May presentations were over, keen reps from exporter community began to shoot many queries, some of which were very technical and FOSS software based, clearly indicating that Sri Lankan exporters have already begun using FOSS solutions.

‘Even our SMEs suffered in global recession’-Rishad

news.lk - 26/05/2014

SMEs claim 70% of Sri Lankan enterprises and 23% of national employment. Our banking sector still looks the other way when it comes to our SMEs as they are worried about recovering credit from SMEs. This is despite our Central Bank’s efforts to keep lending rates at low levels. I urge our banking sector to link with Sri Lanka’s SMEs much closer and become a direct stakeholder in our national development. Do not avoid this risk. It is in such risks that great rewards and profits are found said Minister Bathiudeen and added: “In this background, I highly commend, the recent announcement by International Finance Corporation (IFC) office in Colombo to assist our SMEs with their valuable funding of $ 125 million.

Minister Bathiudeen was addressing the inauguration event of SMIDEX  held recently by the Industrial Development Board under Ministry of Traditional Industries & Small Enterprises at BMICH, Colombo. According to the IDB, SMIDEX has been introduced by the IDB to mark its 45th year anniversary. SMIDEX is yet another national event showcasing the SMEs with special attention to technology, machinery, raw materials, business development and other services.

Also present on the occasion were Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Economic Development, Douglas Devananda, Minister of Traditional Industries & Small Enterprises, Weera Kumara Dissanayake, Deputy Minister of Traditional Industries and Small Enterprises, AHM Fowzie, Senior Minister, V. Sivagnanasothy, Secretary to Ministry of Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development, Anura Siriwardene, Secretary, Ministry of Industry and Commerce and Nawaz Rajabdeen, Chairman-Industrial Development Board of Sri Lanka.

SMIDEX is ably supported by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and sponsored by the Export Development Board.

According to data available with National Enterprise Development Authority, Lanka’s SMEs claim 70% of Lankan enterprises and 26% of national employment. 91% of Industrial Establishments are SMEs.

The "Mahinda Chintana" vision of  President Mahinda Rajapaksa outlines SME entrepreneurs, to be the backbone of our economy. Thanks to President’s economic vision, in 2013 we achieved 7.3% GDP growth and, the Asian Development Bank, now forecasts, growth could reach, 7.5% in 2014.  The successful Divineguma program by Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa is well known across the country, and has contributed to upgrade our entrepreneurs at rural levels. Also among other entrepreneur development efforts of NEDA, are the new business creation, and expansion programmes, the Women Entrepreneur Development program, and the Cluster development program. I am pleased to inform you, that the UNIDO focal point under my Ministry too has in the recent times spent more than $ 6 six million, to support our SMEs. The latest initiatives, by UNIDO are the project on Bamboo processing in Sri Lanka, the livelihood development project in the Eastern Province and the Cinnamon Industry skills upgrading project. Developing SMEs is not the responsibility of one institution alone, but is a team effort of several stakeholders.”

According to data available with National Enterprise Development Authority under Ministry of Industry and Commerce

 “SMIDEX is a forum for new market opportunities. IT helps boost Sri Lanka’s SMIs” said Nawaz Rajabdeen (Chairman-Industrial Development Board of Sri Lanka), addressing the event. “It is also a platform to share best practices, and strategies for our SME development, which is part of Mahinda Chinthana” Chairman Rajabdeen