Global Rubber Conference 2014 to be held in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has been selected to host one of the world’s leading conferences on natural rubber Global Rubber Conference (GRC) 2014.

The three-day international event will be held from 27 to 30 October 2014 at the Cinnamon Grand in Colombo.

Global Rubber Conference 2014 themed “Sowing the Seeds for Sustainable Future” is expected to bring together over 700 experts and delegates representing over 25 countries.

Government officials, rubber producers & planters, traders, importers & exporters, manufacturers of rubber products, commodity and investment analysts, rubber machinery & equipment suppliers and their supporting industries are expected to attend the conference.

The Conference is Co-organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB) and supported by the International Rubber Research Development Board (IRRDB) and over 20 global government agencies and associations.

The GRC 2014 will be locally supported by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Ministry of Plantation Industries.

It will be addressed by 18 eminent guest speakers who represent government agencies, rubber research bodies, rubber associations and commercial companies.

The conference aims to bring together both regulatory authorities and commercial players of the rubber world to provide updates on current trends and future challenges faced by the natural rubber industry.

MINT- an opportunity to diversify Sri Lanka’s export markets

The Island - 23/07/2014
By Nikita Samaratunga

In 2001, economist Jim O’Neill famously coined the term ‘BRIC’ to refer to the newly emerging economies of Brazil, Russian, India, and China. In 2014 O’Neill has now popularized a newer and what the BBC calls ‘fresher’ term – MINT – Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey (put forward by Fidelity Investments).

In a time where many developed nations are facing a crisis with regard to their ageing population, what makes MINT stand out, according to O’Neill, are their favourable demographic statistics. Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey are four of the world’s most heavily populated emerging economies, with populations of 118, 237, 174 and 73 million respectively. To add to that in the next 20 years all four countries will see a rise in the number of economically active workers to inactive - meaning they will have a declining dependency ratio. What this will do is ease the burden off the government. In recent years an increasing dependency ratio has plagued countries from the UK to Japan, putting pressure on government budgets and the shrinking work force. Thus the demographics of MINT will certainly be a source of envy for their more developed counterparts.

In an interview with BBC, Mexican Foreign Minister Jose Antonio Meade Kuribrena alluded to another factor that had allowed MINT to stand out. This was the four countries favorable geographical location. Mexico neighbors the world’s current superpower the USA and borders Latin America, a region that has exhibited high growth rates and enormous potential in recent years. Indonesia is strategically located in South-east Asia, with Turkey straddling the West and East. With increased investments and partnerships being made on the African continent, Nigeria has significant potential given its access to Atlantic Ocean.

According to World Bank statistics in 2013 Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey grew by 1.1%, 5.8%, 7.0% and 4.0% respectively. The MINT’s in comparison to the BRIC nations have smaller economies. However, as growth in the BRIC nations has slowed, attention has been focused on MINT who are expected to show strong sustained growth over the coming decade. However all that glitters is not gold- the MINT nations have also been plagued with problems from political instability to corruption, as well as feeling the aftershocks of the recent global financial crisis.

Sri Lanka enjoys a healthy trade relationship with IRC, with India, Russia and China being major export destinations for Sri Lankan products. Furthermore politically the country has, in particular, over the years, seen the strengthening of ties with Russia and China. Sri Lanka’s relations – both economic and political – with MINT, remain surface. There is huge potential however to be explored given the young demographic which makes for a large labor pool and consumer market; pro-business legal systems in place and governments that have made economic growth their top priority, particularly in countries such as Mexico; and the strategic positioning of these four countries. Thus, in a day and age where the Sri Lankan export sector, one of the main drivers of economic growth and development in the country, is characterized by product concentration and heavy dependence on a few markets, the emergence of MINT provides a opportunity for Sri Lanka to expand its horizons.

Currently the Mexican, Turkish and Indonesian markets respectively make up 1.5% 1%, 0.5% of our exports (2013) (there are currently no Sri Lankan exports entering the Nigerian market). The rise of MINT presents an opportunity to increase our share in these markets, in line with the objectives of the Mahinda Chintanaya and the Export Development Board of Sri Lanka, which aims to increase exports to markets other than the EU and USA. Looking at the current imports of MINT there is significant potential in the export of rubber and related products, apparel, precious stones, and fish to these four countries, all of which are Sri Lanka’s key export sectors. What the country must do is view the rise of MINT as an opportunity to reduce its dependency on the traditional markets of Europe and North America and strengthen relations with these new and emerging markets.

“Sri Lanka will be in the next five emerging countries”: French Ambassador

Daily FT- 23-07-2014

A session on ‘Bilateral Trade between Sri Lanka and France’ organised by the National Chamber of Commerce was held with the participation of  Ambassador of France Jean Paul Monchau, as a Special Guest Speaker and assisted by Commercial  Counsellor of the Trade Section of the Embassy Jean Louis POLI, at the Chamber, last week. Additionally Government senior officials- Director General Commerce, Director General, Export Development Board and Board of Investment graced the occasion.

The Ambassador gave a very impressive presentation on bilateral trade between the two countries and the potential products and services in demand in France. He said that France is open to FDIs; two foreign countries each day invest in France. Sri Lanka should take the opportunity and invest in France. He said that the main exports to France from Sri Lanka are mainly apparel and garment products, other items are rubber based products, coco peat and fibre. Potential exportable items are gems and jewellery, spices and cashew nuts and also huge potential for tourism and investment.

The Ambassador said that he is amazed at the vast strides made in Sri Lanka and surprised to see the rapid development taking place after the war in Sri Lanka. We quote from his speech “A few years back news we receive from Sri Lanka were mainly on the war situation but this has changed drastically in the recent past. I am very confident and positive of the economy of Sri Lanka and I want to communicate this situation to my Government and the French businessmen at the transformation of Sri Lanka.
“I just would like to comment on Sri Lanka handling the CHOGM, it was very well organised with the required infrastructure. I appreciate the spirit of the people in Sri Lanka, they are very positive thinking, Sri Lanka would be included in the next 5 emerging countries in the world! According to COFACE, the French Trade Insurance Company, growth figures of Sri Lanka looks very impressive, recently Time Magazine listed out countries for investment, and Sri Lanka was one of them. Recent visitors from France were surprised at the infrastructure development.”
He further said, “Business people investing in India will now look at Sri Lanka as an investment destination. There are around 300 French companies present in India. I attended a Business Forum in India in September last year, as I had just taken up post in Sri Lanka, I will invite them to come here, economy is growing and the purchasing power of people are also growing. I feel that Sri Lanka would be an attractive destination for investment.
“I recently visited Hambantota Sea Port, which has been a controversial subject in your country, but I am confident in 15 years time no one would say that it was a wrong decision. Already Colombo Port is congested, there are nearly 200 vessels passing Sri Lanka every day in the Indian Ocean, if you attract 4 or 5 vessels a day, it will be a very good start for Hambantota,” he said.
Speaking at the session, Director General of Commerce, R.D.S. Kumararatne said businessmen who are interested in business in Europe may contact the Dept of Commerce and said that he has officers stationed in many countries including France for business development activities. He said that Sri Lankan businessmen could contact the Dept of Commerce directly so that appropriate support could be extended. Addressing the gathering Director General, Sri Lanka Export Development Board, Sujatha Weerakoon said exporters who are interested in exporting to France and other European countries could directly contact EDB and they could assist them accordingly.  Board of Investment, Director Promotions, Dilip Samarasinghe emphasised on the facts and figures of investment environment in Sri Lanka.
In conclusion, the President of the National Chamber, Sunil Wijesinha, thanked the Ambassador for the positive thinking on Sri Lanka which is a much needed perception to be spread to the world.
Many chamber member company representatives were present at the interactive session, and the Ambassador and the Commercial Counselor answered the queries put forward by the participants. It was a well attended event.

Sri Lanka Plast and Rubexpo launch in August

Daily FT - 21/07/2014

Enterprising Fairs India Limited, a B2B exhibition company from India, has collaborated with the Plastics and Rubber Institute of Sri Lanka (PRISL), to conduct their second edition of Sri Lanka Plast – a Plastics Expo and the first edition of Rubexpo – a Rubber Expo on 14, 15 and 16 August 2014 at BMICH, Colombo. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC), Export Development Board (EDB), Industrial Development Board (IDB), Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka (RRISL) and Central Institute of Plastics and Engineering Technology, a government body of India (CIPET) have also extended their support to these B2B exhibitions.

The plastics and rubber expos are B2B exhibitions bringing over 150 exhibitors from 10 different countries, including Sri Lanka, India, China, Taiwan, Japan, Italy, Philippines etc. showcasing their, machinery and technology available.
There will also be a guidance booth for young and aspiring entrepreneurs who can get direction on how to start a business in the plastics and rubber industry. This expo is set to attract over 20,000 visitors over the three days according to the organisers.

On behalf of the organisers Enterprising Fairs India Ltd. Managing Director B. Swaminathan said, “As a catalyst that encourages trade, we are happy to launch two significant expos focussing on plastics and rubber, which play an integral part on local export earnings. As a developing nation Sri Lanka is opening up with its economy and infrastructural advantages, there is no better time than this to open up the country and inviting international businesses to experience its riches.”

As a prelude to these exhibitions, PRISL together with Enterprising Fairs has planned an International Seminar on Trends and Advancements in the fields of plastics and rubber on 5 August and an exclusive CEO Forum on 1 August at The Kingsbury Hotel, Colombo to encourage the plastics and rubber industries to take ‘exports’ as growth strategy. Experts from the Government, EDB and few from India are expected to address this elite forum, powered by Sri Lanka Plast and Rubexpo. People who want to visit these expos are encouraged to pre-register to the seminars through www.enterprisingfairs.in or call 0114545687 for more information.

Lankan boats get international exposure

Ceylon Today - 20/07/02014
By Ravi Ladduwahetty

Sri Lanka's boatbuilding capability for international markets will be further showcased when the Boat Show and Fisheries Exhibition 2014 will be held at the Dickowita Fisheries Harbour from 10-12 October.


Also coinciding with this event will be the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) regional parley, which will be held at the Pegasus Reef Hotel, also from 10-12 October. Both events will be hosted by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB) in collaboration with the Boat Building Technology Improvement Institute (BTI) and the Building A Future (BAF) Foundation.

Strengthening the boat industry
In addition to the regional meeting, an industry conference will be organized with eminent speakers from ICOMIA for the benefit of the local industry in Sri Lanka, where over 25 resource personnel will also address the parley.

Boat building is a lucrative and thriving industry which was capitalized by the western world during the previous decade. The centre for manufacturing boats is now moving toward developing countries from developed countries mainly due to the competitive labour costs and the skilled and trainable workforce offered by these countries. The increased demand for boats worldwide for fishing, industrial, commercial and leisure purposes open up huge opportunities and new markets for boatbuilding in Sri Lanka, due to its strategic location, highly trainable workforce and labour cost advantage.
The EDB has identified the boatbuilding industry as a key product sector which contributes markedly in achieving the export target of US$20 billion in 2020.

The wide range of products and services offered from this sector includes yachts, pleasure and leisure boats, fishing boats, fast attack craft, passenger, sports, rescue, coast guard and patrol boats and boatbuilding accessories.
There are around 20-25 active boat yards around the country out of which 10 boat yards have medium- to large-scale manufacturing facilities and others are small scale manufactures. Sri Lanka's main export markets for ships and boats are Seychelles, Singapore, India, the Netherlands, Norway and Mauritius.

Some of the potential buyers of Sri Lankan boats internationally are hotels and resorts, private fish importers and exporters, boat builders, tourism authorities, adventure clubs and water sports enthusiasts, Navy and Coastal Guards, underwater diving and salvage operators, yachting and sailing clubs among a host of others.

Building a potent network

Founded in 1967 and officially located in the United Kingdom (UK), ICOMIA is an international trade association that brings together national recreational marine industries. ICOMIA has currently 34 full members representing virtually all countries with an active recreational marine industry in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia.
The ICOMIA organizes the biannual World Marine Conference and biennial regional meetings in various countries around the world with the objective of improving the quality of the recreational boating experience through the development of marinas, yacht harbours, boatyards and small boat launching ramps.

Hosting of an ICOMIA Regional Meeting in Sri Lanka will create awareness amongst all concerned, competence in the boat building sector and the massive potential for marine tourism in the country. Interaction with members with international expertise in marinas, recreational boating facilities, boat storage development, management and education will not only benefit Sri Lanka in exchanging relevant technical, environmental, and marketing information but in attracting much-needed investment opportunities for the boat building and marine tourism sectors by improving the profile of the country in the international arena.

With all our competencies and skills, Sri Lanka can project a more positive and favourable image if we pay particular emphasis on product and market diversification. We have already proven our expertise in the manufacture of boats with internationally accepted standards and quality.

"The increasing demand for boats worldwide for fishing, industrial, commercial and leisure purposes has opened up huge opportunities and new markets for the boat building industry of Sri Lanka, due to its strategic location, highly trainable workforce and the labour cost advantage," says Chairman of the EDB, Bandula Egodage.
He also noted that a promising competitive domestic industry always compliments the development of a successful export-oriented industry.

There is a growing interest in the boating activities in Sri Lanka which will create additional domestic market opportunities for the industry. The fishing industry in Sri Lanka, too, is moving towards deep sea fishing using multiday boats creating opportunities in the fishing boat sector.
Several improvements in the tourism industry; the influx of fairly high-spending tourists, more international hotel chains investing in Sri Lanka; will definitely pave a way for a boat building industry to thrive.

The EDB Chief also feels it was high time for the boat and ship building industry to develop a new strategy to make use of the full potential of these developing trends in the international and domestic markets.
The first-ever Boat Show in 2008 opened up a new frontier of fishing leisure, industrial and commercial vessels and marine tourism where 44 stalls displayed Sri Lankan capabilities.

Following the success of the 2008 show, Sri Lanka continued this momentum by making Boat Show a biannual event and organized its second and third editions in 2010 and 2012, respectively.
The Boat Show Sri Lanka, which is considered South Asia's most focused and largest international boat exhibition, continues to build up a strong network for the Sri Lankan boat industry.

The Boat Show Sri Lanka 2014 will be once again organized with the objective of providing a single platform for all related business sectors involved directly and indirectly in the boat industry to display and promote their respective sectors for potential clients.

EDB enters WTO global benchmark

Daily News - 17-07-2014

For the first time, the Export Development Board has entered WTO, UNCTAD, ITCs benchmark of global export agencies and finished among the top ten. EDB has come to the sixth spot among 30 national trade promotion organisations across the world, benchmarked by the International Trade Centre under WTO and UNCTAD. EDB's score in 2012 study is above average and the next level to move is 80% "High level TPO Performance" category and then, finally to 100% -what we call "world class".

"EDB has done quite well in International Trade Centre's 2012 Lanka EDB benchmarking test. EDB has come to sixth spot among 30 national trade promotion organisations across the world, benchmarked by us-the International Trade Centre under WTO and UNCTAD" said Geneva based Martin Labbe (Senior Officer, Trade Support Institutions Strengthening, International Trade Centre, Switzerland) in Colombo addressing the inaugural session of the four day "Performance Improvement Roadmap for Sri Lanka's EDB by ITC" at the EDB Auditorium, Colombo.

"The identities of the 30 countries of the benchmarked index are kept confidential by ITC. However, let me say that among the top ten, where Sri Lanka too is now placed, are countries with high economic development and social rankings -such as from the influential global grouping of Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)," said ITC Senior Officer Labbe.

EDB Chairman and CEO Bandula Egodage said: "Despite export success with record exports, government continues to closely focus on exports and achievement of $20 b exports goal by 2020." "As a result, EDB enhanced its effort towards this goal. Performance Improvement and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are key factors for the sustainability of any organisation, including EDB." 

‘France’s economic power to weld with Sri Lanka’s rapid growth’

The Island - 15/07/2014
By Steve A. Morrell

‘Preparations for CHOGM. Colombo was a busy hive of activity. We were wondering if infrastructure for that event could be completed. It was done. No problem. It was a substantial undertaking of deft organization; of things falling into place. Of every little detail being

observed and the main event worked off with clinical attention to detail, said Ambassador of France to Sri Lanka Jean-Paul Monchau recently, talking to the business community and the press at the National Chamber of Commerce auditorium.

The National Chamber convened the conference to disclose benefits for Lanka through interaction with French business interests. Additionally, interest zones for French involvement in commercial activity and broadening the sphere to promote and enhance closer French business ties with Sri Lanka featured in the event. However,the more important aspect was that economic activity witnessed rapid growth here.

Commercial activity prevailing in Sri Lanka was impressive, Monchau said. Within that climate of on-going infrastructure so essential for any commercial undertaking, French businesses would be encouraged to extend their business undertakings for joint projects.

He said, currently tea and garments were their main business dealings. Tea amounts to barely 4 % imports to France. The press suggested that rather than the French people drink wine, they should drink more tea and improve trade relations with Sri Lanka. ( Ceylon Tea was synonymous with a quality product from Sri Lanka). The room erupted in laughter.

The press also questioned Ambassador Monchau on travel restrictions enforced by the French government which stifled business possibilities for Sri Lankan businesses. He said there were some restrictions in place but such areas of concern could always be ironed out.

He said population in France would grow and by 2050,France would be the most populated country in Europe.

Currently France is the 5th most powerful economic power in the world. This would improve. For instance, America grew because of its contributory human resources factor and they placed high importance on that resource. Conversely, the German economy would slow down because that country is faced with dwindling population figures.

France now has 65 million people and there was every possibility that the French population would grow.

The student population too was growing. Language was no problem because there were about 700 English colleges and institutions that had their instructions in English. Students were taught in that language as well.

French exposure to the world was progressively expanding in commerce and trade.

France was looking for business partners in rubber based products, gems and jewellery, ceramics, spices, coconut fibre and similar areas of exports.

Chairman Export Development Board ( EDB) and Director General EDB clarified areas for French interaction. Also Director, BOI, Dilip S. Samarasinghe commenting said the BOI encouraged partnerships and added that further clarification could be gleaned from their web sites. He said they were also available online for further information.

Ambassador Monchau said infrastructure growth in Sri Lanka and allied commercial advancement were significant. Such advances could be plus factors that would promote closer business activity for mutual benefit.

Influx of tourists to Sri Lanka from France, he said, was also increasing. Last year some 65,000 tourists visited Sri Lanka.

At the press conference, the head table included, Deputy President, National Chamber of Commerce Sujeewa Samarasekera, Deputy President NC, Tilak Godamaana, Jean- Paul Monchau, President NC, Sunil G. Wijesinghe, Economist, French Embassy, Jean-Louis Poli, Sec General, NC, Bandula Dissanayake.