First hand Syrian account reveals Lanka a destination beyond Gulf

Asian Tribune - 18/08/2014

Rishad Bathiudeen (Minister of Industry and Commerce–left) discusses with Dr Mhd. Moussallam Al Droubi (CEO of Al Droubi Group and the Hon Consul of Sri Lanka in Damascus, Syria) in Colombo on 13 August.

For the first time, Syrian investors' view on trading and investing in Sri Lanka has been revealed in a first-hand account on 13 August in Colombo. And the cash rich Syrians want to set up active projects first, rather than sending a stream of hot funds.

“As countries, Gulf economies are richer than Syria but when it comes to individual countries’ private capital volumes, everyone knows that Syrians are way ahead and much more liquid than private capital in Gulf region. The main issue now is that the Syrian industrial community is on the lookout for an investment hub due to the current unrest in Syria. There are a few keen big investors who are studying Sri Lanka closely” said an upbeat Dr Mhd. Moussallam Al Droubi (CEO of Al Droubi Group and the Hon Consul of Sri Lanka in Damascus, Syria) on 13 August in Colombo.

Al Droubi CEO Dr Mhd. Moussallam was speaking to Rishad Bathiudeen (Minister of Industry and Commerce) on 13 August at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Colombo 3. Al Droubi CEO Dr Mhd. Moussallam was making a courtesy call on Minister Bathiudeen on the afternoon of 13 August.

“Once Syria recovers from the current problems, our bilateral cooperation could be resumed in better shape. The main issue now is that the Syrian industrial community is on the lookout for an investment hub due to the current unrest in Syria. I am looking forward to bring a Syrian business and investment delegation to Sri Lanka in the coming months to explore investment opportunities in Sri Lanka” said Al Droubi CEO Dr Mhd. Moussallam.

He added: “Sri Lanka’s wonderful investment environment is an invitation to them. Most of large scale Syrian industrialists and investors are not necessarily and specially looking at Sri Lanka but they are looking at Asia as a whole. But there are a few keen big investors who are studying Sri Lanka closely. They are some diversified conglomerates including my Al Droubi group as well as investors in such sectors as tourism / hoteliers, chemicals, multi cycle power projects, cables and textiles. My Aldroubi Group itself in turn is representing such multinationals as Saudi Cable, South Korean conglomerate Hyosung Corp, India’s Jindal, the Greece metal firm METKA, China’s global power transmission giant Zhejian HOLLEY, and also Italy’s Gruppo Aturia. We, the Al Groubi, have the biggest cable factory in Syria and other international projects in UK, China, Greece and Korea. About 70% of high end Syrian industries have shifted their investments out of Syria due to the current conflict-though small businesses and sectors still continue there. These shifting industrialists and investors are not mere safe haven seekers busily fleeing Damascus and Aleppo-in fact they are high end investors with critical knowhow in their heavy industry sectors that will benefit the Sri Lankan Industry base! “

Al Droubi CEO Dr Mhd. Moussallam also said, “What many do not know is that Syrian investors have more cash and funds than Gulf region investors. As countries, Gulf economies are richer than Syria but when it comes to individual countries’ private capital volumes, everyone knows that Syrians are way ahead and much more liquid than private capital in Gulf Region (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates). But remember-when investing overseas, Syrian private capital’s priority is to bring the manufacturing project setup and knowhow rather than immediate cash at first. In fact, Syrian investors already have checked out the Gulf countries and even Egypt. They rarely venture out of Gulf region. This is the first time that they are looking at outside the region, and at Sri Lanka specifically. In Lebanese banks alone funds of Syrian business origin to the tune of $14 Bn are ready and waiting at this moment to flow to the correct investment opportunity in any international market-including Sri Lanka. Many high rise buildings in Lebanon’s Beirut Central District are occupied and rented by none-other than Syrian businesses. A building construction boom in Lebanese real estate sector is partly fuelled by Syrian investments. These funds may not be directly injected here immediately but would come as BOO (Build Own Operate) projects. Since they come as total BOOs, the specialized infrastructure would be totally shipped in and that free flow of specialized knowhow is Sri Lanka’s key gain. "

"The money would follow after this initial infrastructure transfer as and when needed. Syrian businesses and investors are successful professional investors with a track record and they have long standing investments spanning Gulf, even Egypt and Morocco. For centuries Syrians have been known to be good traders, and creative industrialists. For example 55 pharmaceutical factories in Syria are exporting to 85 countries- among them are demanding markets such as Saudi Arabia. Pharma is not an easy industry and not easy to export-its very complicated specially in quality.”

He further added, “ But Syrian pharma is very active and thriving facing all these challenges! And our textile industry is historically reputed with parts of British Queen’s and Princess Diana’s wardrobe material always originating from Syria. Due to the on-going war, the Syrians are looking for new destinations to continue to produce these renowned Syrian brands elsewhere and this is a good opportunity for Sri Lanka to be a part of the supply chain of such historic Syrian industries and draw in their investments. If suitable projects are found for them here and they are satisfied of the incentives, then they would be entering. My goal is to bring many successful Syrian global investors-not only my Group. If Syrian investments are coming here, then you could expect the bulk originating from Lebanon as I just said-these are clean investor monies with clear and direct legal sources of origin. More importantly, if my Al Droubi or any Syrian investors come here it will be the first time that Syrian investors would positively go beyond the Gulf region! But you need to show good reason as to why they should be entering here in addition to 100% investment ownership and total profit repatriation benefits offered by Sri Lanka. The Damascus investors looking at Sri Lanka told me that they need to be clearly informed as to what they will specifically be entitled to if they invest here.”

Minister Bathiudeen said: “Our government and all people of Sri Lanka too wish that the issues in Syria would be peacefully resolved. We welcome Syrian investors to Sri Lanka and thanks to HE the President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s committed vision we expect a GDP growth of 7.8% which is positively taken by global investors. And global investors can avail themselves of such benefits as not only the freedom of total investment ownership, but even profit repatriation and constitutional protection for their investments. Syrian BOO projects can strengthen our industrial base considerably. Our industries would specially welcome transfer of global experience and knowhow to them.”

Discussing bilateral trade cooperation Al Droubi CEO Dr Mhd. Moussallam said: “To quickly restore bilateral trade beyond the current $ 97 Mn, we need to refresh the regular Ceylon Tea import quantities to Syria again. Also promotion of other Lankan value added exports to Syria is an important step in this. Once Syria recovers from the current problems, our trade could resume.” According to the Department of Commerce of Sri Lanka, bilateral trade with Syria stood at $97.23 Mn, of which almost the total was claimed by Lanka’s exports to Syria while imports were only $0.54 Mn. In 2013, Ceylon Tea exports to Syria stood at $ 94 Mn-taking 97% of exports revenue.

Finished rubber goods export up

Sunday Observer - 17/08/2014

In 2013, Sri Lanka's natural rubber sheet exports stood at US $71.6 million, while the export of finished rubber goods stood at US $ 887 million, compared to US $ 856 million in 2012, an increase of 4%, said Industry and Commerce Minister Rishard Bathiudeen at the inauguration of the second edition of Sri Lanka PLAST and the first edition of RUBEXPO at the BMICH last week.

“Our plastic exports stand at US $60.11 million compared to US $ 57 million in 2012, an increase of 5%. We encourage value addition for rubber exports. These two sectors have been identified as thrust industries and are expected to contribute significantly to national economic growth and help meet our planned 7.8% GDP target this year,” he said.“Our company exports rubber products and slippers to India in fairly large quantities.

I ship at least one full container load (FCL) per month to India,” said Managing Director, Samson Group, Kulathunga Rajapaksa, the reputed footwear maker.

“This event is an effort to promote local products, even to India which is a huge market. The cost of transporting goods from Delhi to Chennai is more than the cost of shipping goods from Colombo to Chennai, giving Lankan exporters an advantage,” he said.

“There are also some non-tariff barriers at that end and a fair amount has been ironed out helping Lankan exporters. There is room for further improvement. Our exporters need to vigorously go for the Indian market just as Indian exporters do here,” Rajapaksa said.

In 2013, India was ranked 10th among importers of Lankan finished rubber goods valued at US $ 19 million.“India is the world’s tenth largest economy. When it comes to global trade parities, India’s most balanced trade is with Sri Lanka,” said Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, Y.K. Sinha.

“Both sides are involved in continuing discussions to take economic engagement to the next level,” he said.

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, Industry and Commerce Ministry Secretary Anura Siriwardene, Chairman and CEO, Export Development Board (EDB), Bandula Egodage and Director General, EDB, Sujatha Weerakoone were also present.

The three-day exposition, a B2B event, brought over 160 exhibitors from 15 countries including India, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, China, Taiwan, Japan, Italy, Philippines and Malaysia, showcases rubber and polymer technology used by participants.

India has the most balanced trade with Sri Lanka: Sinha

Daily FT - 15/08/2014

When it comes to global trade parities of the world’s 10th largest economy, the most balanced trade it conducts is with Sri Lanka, India claimed yesterday.

“India has the most balanced trade with Sri Lanka among its major trade partners. Both sides are involved in continuing discussions to take economic engagement to the next level,” said Indian High Commi-ssioner in Sri Lanka Y.K. Sinha yesterday.

Sinha was addressing the singular inauguration event of two expos on 14 August – the second edition of Sri Lanka Plast and the first edition of RUBEXPO at the BMICH. Also taking part were Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen, Ministry of Industry and Commerce Secretary Anura Siriwardene, EDB CEO Bandula Egodage and EDB DG Sujatha Weerakoone.

The three day BMICH exposition – a B2B and networking event – brings over 160 exhibitors from 15 countries including India, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, China, Taiwan, Japan, Italy, Philippines and Malaysia and showcases rubber and polymer technology used by participants.

The event is supported by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Export Development Board (EDB), along with Industrial Development Board (IDB), Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka (RRISL) and India’s Central Institute of Plastics and Engineering Technology.

“The participation of more than 100 companies in this event is a manifestation of the re-emergence and diversification of the Sri Lankan economy,” said Sinha. “India and Sri Lanka enjoy robust economic and commercial relations exemplified by the 14-year Free Trade Agreement. India is not only the largest source of imports for Sri Lanka but also Sri Lanka’s third largest export destination after the USA and the UK.”
Sinha asserted that bilateral investments with Sri Lanka have also witnessed a substantial increase in recent times. “Based on the national synergies and complementarities between both countries, both sides are involved in continuing discussions to take economic engagement to the next level. I am certain that Sri Lanka Plast 2014 will contribute to further consolidation of economic engagement between India and Sri Lanka,” he added.

According to the Department of Sri Lanka, India was the biggest supplier to Sri Lanka in 2013, followed by China. Imports from India to Sri Lanka was at $ 3.09 b in 2013 while total Indo-Lanka trade stood at $ 3.636 b. Total trade under ISFTA was reported at $ 748.2 m, rising by a strong 40% in 2013 from 2012’s $ 536 m. In 2013, 65% of Lanka’s total exports to India were exports under ISFTA.

India is a well-known member of BRICS as well as a major economy within the G20 grouping. Indian investment flows to Sri Lanka in 2012 stood at $ 158.20 m. According to the EDB, Sri Lanka’s top three exports to India in 2013 were boats, animal feed and pepper.

Bathiudeen, addressing the event, said: “Plastics and rubbers are two sectors that play a huge role in our everyday lives as well as in our GDP. In 2013, our natural rubber exports stood at $ 71.6 million. Rubber product exports alone in 2013 stood at strong $ 887 million, rising by 4% from 2012’s $ 856 million. Our plastic exports only have stood at $ 60.11 m, increasing by 5% from $ 57 million in 2012. I should stress that we are strongly encouraging value addition for our rubber exports. I should also stress that these two sectors have been rightly identified as thrust industries, which are expected to contribute significantly to national economic growth to meet our planned 7.8% GDP target this year under the vision of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.”

On behalf of the organisers, Enterprising Fairs India Managing Director B. Swaminathan said: “We are happy to bring in the second edition of Sri Lanka Plast and the debut editions of the RUBEXPO and SIMEX. These exhibitions will no doubt create B2B opportunities, enhance collaboration and grant more access to the local export market, enabling a stronger economy aligned with the Sri Lanka 2020 vision.”
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.

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 (CIPET), a Government body of India, have also extended their support to these B2B exhibitions.

Lankan rubber and plastic exporters visiting the inauguration event praised the effort.
“Our company is exporting rubber products and slippers to India in fairly large quantities. I ship at least one full container load (FCL) per month to India,” said DSI Samson Group MD Kulathunga Rajapaksa.
The reputed Lankan branded footwear maker who was attending the inauguration added: “This event is a good effort to promote our products, even to India, which is a huge market. The cost of transferring products from Delhi to Chennai is more than cost of shipping from Colombo to Chennai, giving Lankan exporters an advantage. There are also some non-tariff barriers at that end and a fair amount of that has been ironed out, helping us Lankan exporters. We can further improve and there is space for it. Our exporters need to vigorously go for the Indian market just as Indian exporters do here.”

In 2013, India ranked at 10th among importers of Lankan rubber finished products, importing $ 19 m of rubber products from Sri Lanka.

Lanka in first mutual recognition agreement trade call with biggest global supplier

Daily FT - 13/08/2014

• ‘Important development!: Exporters
• 'MRA can help boost FTA biz’: Rishad
• 'Agreed!’: Deputy Indian HC Bagchi
• Trade under ISFTA jumps by 40%!
• Indo-Lanka overall bilateral trade at $ 3.63 b

As bilateral free trade leaped by a huge 40%, Sri Lanka’s biggest supplier in the world nodded in agreement on 7 August that a wider and consistent trade harmonisation push could remove existing barriers in one go -and amplify bilateral business.

“Sri Lankan businesses that invested in India have done very well. I agree with you that a wider Mutual Recognition Agreement will be useful to increase bilateral trade. I also agree that the lack of unified market standards across various states in India could be an issue for Lankan exporters,” said a keen Arindam Bagchi (Deputy High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka) on 7 August in Colombo.
Deputy High Commissioner Bagchi was addressing Minister of Industry and Commerce of Sri Lanka Rishad Bathiudeen on 7 August during the first courtesy call he made on Minister Bathiudeen. Deputy High Commissioner Bagchi previously served in such stations as Beirut, New York, Spain and was finally functioning as the Director of Indian Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) before he arrived in Colombo. Joining Minister Bathiudeen on 7 August were Department of Commerce of Sri Lanka DG R.D.S. Kumararatne and EDB Chairman/CEO Bandula Egodage.



“India’s new government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a special focus on SAARC region. On that note, let’s build on the long standing special relationship between Sri Lanka and India,” said Deputy High Commissioner Bagchi, and added: “As for India’s export problems, they are more or less similar to Sri Lanka’s – if EU market drops, similar to Sri Lanka exports, we too fall. And so is when it comes to exports market diversification. As for the Indo-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA), it helped both countries. I also think we can find alternative ways to expand Indo-Lanka trade in addition to the current ISFTA. In fact, now what is important is to expand ISFTA to other trade aspects. When it comes to Indo Lanka trade, the name of the agreement is not important but what is important is how to expand the benefits to other areas of (trade) cooperation. More importantly, Sri Lankan businesses that invested in India have done very well. In fact, we are very happy of their steady progress.”

According to the Department of Sri Lanka, India is the biggest supplier to Sri Lanka in 2013, followed by China. In 2013, total Indo-Lanka trade stood at $ 3.636 billion with imports from India reporting no less than $ 3.09 billion. Total trade ‘under ISFTA’ stood at $ 748.2 million and it jumped by a strong 40% in 2013 from 2012’s $ 536 million. Also in Y2013, 65% of Lanka’s total exports to India were exports ‘under ISFTA’.

Sri Lankan investment volumes in India too saw an uptick especially after both countries signed the Bilateral Investment Protection Agreement (BIPA) in January 1997 which came into force in February 1998. Among top Lankan investments currently in operation in India are Brandix, MAS Holdings, Damro, Dankotuwa, Carson Cumberbatch, Aitken Spence, John Keels, Colombo Dockyards, DRH Logistics and Freight Links International. Sri Lanka also aims at bringing more Indian investments to widen its exports base and enable integration in to regional supply chains in automobile parts, light engineering and pharmaceuticals.
Indian investments flow to Sri Lanka (in 2012 alone) stood at $ 158.20 million. Such Indian giants as Bharati Airtel (mobile telecom) Britannia (confectionary) Lanka IOC (fuel), TATA (heavy steel), Taj Hotels, Ultratech Cements, Ambuja Cement, CEAT (rubber), Piramal Glass and Ashok Leyland (vehicles) are operating in Sri Lanka and often find significant share of their group annual volumes originating from Sri Lanka.

Responding to Deputy High Commissioner Bagchi, Minister Bathiudeen said: “We extend you a warm welcome to Sri Lanka. It has been a pleasure for me and my Ministry to closely work with the Indian High Commission and relevant Indian Ministries to develop our bilateral trade. It is time for both sides to implement decisions of the Joint Task Force made in Colombo to develop bilateral trade so that mutual benefits are gained. As R.D.S. Kumararatne, my DG of Department of Commerce here informs me that what is now required to speed up Indo-Lanka trade to next levels is a wider and a proper Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) on standards. “Lack of such a wider and proper MRA has led to many of Lankan exporters facing issues in India-in that interpretation of trade issues differently at different times, thereby slowing trade progress. For example one day we come across certain accepted measures not acceptable to the other side suddenly. Even if MRA is a long process, if we start it now, one day we will be there! In fact, the biggest barrier we have in terms of process related trade issues is the lack of an MRA. To get the maximum of FTA, we need to develop the confidence of business communities on both sides. A proper MRA, rather than a mere harmonisation agreement, could give us the much needed consistency and resolve current trade issues to a great extent in one go. Therefore I strongly believe it is time to enter to a proper, wider MRA with India.”

Under the ISFTA, Sri Lanka has been able to promote a diverse range of new exports such as furniture, MDF boards, insulated copper wiring sets and cables, bottle coolers, cocoa products, polished marbles, apparel, glass bottles, rubber gloves, copper wires, new pneumatic rubber tyres, machinery & electrical equipment parts, processed meat products, ceramic tableware & tiles, food preparations, spices, strawberries, and even cosmetics. Reportedly, current harmonisation agreement between India and Sri Lanka focuses only on narrow harmonisation.  A fresh, proper MRA could open the door for wider engagement and further boost Indo Lanka trade that stood at $ 3.636 billion in 2013.

Deputy High Commissioner Bagchi responding to Minister Bathiudeen said: “I agree with you that wider Mutual Recognition Agreement will be useful to increase bilateral trade. I also agree that the lack of unified market standards across various states in India could be an issue for keen Lankan exporters to India and needs to be looked into. For example the Indian government’s General Sales Tax (GST), an important domestic tax, has issues in its progress due to it needing the concurrence of all the states where it will be implemented.”

Top Lankan exporters and trade researchers praised Minister Bathiudeen’s 7 August initiative.
“This is a very important development and we welcome it,” said Spice Council of Sri Lanka Founder Chairman Sarada de Silva and added: “This is the kind of thing we too are pushing for, which is even important for value added exports. For instance, when we talk of our spice exports, more than 70% of our cloves, pepper and nutmeg are headed to India. As a start therefore, we welcome a mutual MRA between Indian Standard Institute and Sri Lanka’s Standards Institute (SLS) instead of unilateral agreement at present, which could help our exporters greatly.” Verite Research Head of Economic Research Subhashini Abeysinghe said: “In our experience, an MRA which mutually accepts testing, certification and standard compliance report would be of great benefit to Lankan exporters.”

Both Deputy High Commissioner Bagchi and Minister Bathiudeen also discussed of Indian development assistance to Sri Lanka and other forms of bilateral cooperation between both countries on 7 August.

Branding would give Lankan rubber boost

Daily News - 14/08/2014
Vishmi Wijeratne

The Plastic and Rubber Institute of Sri Lanka CEO Forum recently mooted ideas for improving plastic and rubber industries in Sri Lanka.

While quality adding has been long discussed topic of improvement, it was discussed that branding Sri Lankan rubber will give Sri Lankan rubber a significant boost.

Chairman and CEO of the Export Development Board of Sri Lanka, Bandula Egodage, who attended the event said rubber is one of the chief exports in Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka's rank in the contribution of rubber exported globally is 32% . However, he also said Sri Lanka's solid tyres rank at the first place in exports, which is a clear indication that there is a market for value added goods rather than just the raw form.

Branding is a new concept for Sri Lankan rubber, through a brand Sri Lanka can gain the benefits of credibility, loyalty of buyers, the consumer preference.

Country branding should be what the rubber industry is looking for, he said.

Sri Lanka has many rubber products of different brands, according to Egodage these superior brands should be linked to get a better market than the present share.

The government initiatives to develop both plastic and rubber exports were also addressed at the forum. It was agreed upon that the government's initiatives on developing infrastructure and education has greatly helped the plastic and rubber industries but all other industries too.

The forum also discussed the predominant problem of lacking funds for Research and Development in the plastic and rubber sector of Sri Lanka.

Exhibitions will put Sri Lanka on the map swiftly: Swaminathan

Daily FT - 13/08/2014

Plastics and Rubber Institute of Sri Lanka (PRISL), together with Enterprising Fair India will conduct the 2nd edition of SRILANKA PLAST – a Plastics Expo and the 1st Edition of RUBEXPO – a Rubber Expo on 14, 15 and 16 August 2014 at BMICH, Colombo. Below are the excerpts of an interview conducted with Enterprising Fairs India Ltd Managing Director B. Swaminathan in light of the exhibition.


Q: Why exhibitions?
A: Exhibitions are one of the most effective mediums for establishing and maintaining customer relations. In an increasingly digital age, they are the only media where buyer, seller and product physically come together – a potent force for business. Enterprising Fairs India Ltd, believes that exhibitions act as a catalyst for the growth of business in a given vertical, be it plastics, packaging, solar, food, logistics, electrical and electronics, etc. in countries like India, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Myanmar with a developing economy. You can reach a large proportion of the market in a short span of time. Whether you are looking to raise your company profile, change market perceptions or generate sales leads, you can achieve more in four days at an exhibition than you might otherwise achieve in months.
Exhibitions are also one of the quickest and most cost-effective means of exploring and entering new export markets. Exhibitions combine the mass-reach of advertising, the targeting of direct mail, the persuasive power of face-to-face selling, and the networking benefits of the Internet, to create a unique environment in which a wide range of sales and marketing objectives can be pursued, either singly, or side by side.
Exhibitions are key drivers of any industry. They play a catalytic role in the growth of the sector itself as they showcase current developments both in machines and materials related to the sector. They also facilitate the adoption of new and appropriate technologies at affordable investments. They accelerate the growth of the sector and thereby create new entrepreneurs and new employment opportunities

Q: What are the advantages of an exhibition?
A: Exhibitions are an influential, flexible and highly cost-effective business tool – as well as being significant wealth generators in their own right. In established economies they are a vital part of the marketing mix, alongside direct selling, advertising, direct mail and the Internet. In new and emerging markets they are a major stimulus for industrial and commercial development including, Driving industrial development and technology transfer, boosting regional and national industry and stimulating foreign investment in industry and infrastructure. Hence I firmly believe that it reaches out to the exact buyer, consumer of another country, attracting his interest to another geography, which without a doubt puts Sri Lanka in the World map for other than the commodities it has to offer the world. Exhibitions also have a major impact on local and national economies

Q: Would you be able to share some information about Sri Lanka PLAST and RUBEXPO?
A: Enterprising Fairs India Private Limited, a B2B Exhibition company from India, has collaborated with The Plastics and Rubber Institute of Sri Lanka (PRISL), to conduct the 2nd edition of SRILANKA PLAST – a Plastics Expo and the 1st Edition of RUBEXPO – a Rubber Expo (www.rubexpo.com) 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. 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.

Top Asia-Pac fishery man prepping Colombo for rare int’l confab

Asian Tribune - 13/08/2014

Bandula Egodage (Chairman/CEO-EDB-second from right) meets Dr Abdul Basir Kunhimohammed (Director General- INFOFISH-seated, with red tie, second from left) as Sujatha Weerakoone (DG-EDB-far right) joins the discussion on 12 August at EDB.

Sri Lanka will feature a rare international confab this November –and many top global fishery experts and exporters will gather together in one place for the first time in South Asia, as announced on 12 August. “First ever International Ornamental Fish Conference to be held in Sri Lanka is taking place this November with EDB’s support. We thank Malaysia based INFOFISH for affording this opportunity to Sri Lanka” said an upbeat Bandula Egodage (Chairman/CEO-EDB) on 12 August at EDB.

Chairman Egodage was meeting Dr Abdul Basir Kunhimohammed (Director General- INFOFISH) on 12 August at EDB. Visiting INFOFISH DG Dr Kunhimohammed is currently in Colombo to hold preparatory meetings with Lankan stakeholders for the first ever INFOFISH Global Conference to be held in Sri Lanka titled “Sri Lankan International Ornamental Fish Conference” scheduled on 10-11 November at Kingsbury Hotel, Colombo.

“This will be a global event attended by ten international ornamental fish industry speakers” said
INFOFISH DG Dr Kunhimohammed and added: “Since they are willing to share their experiences with local ornamental industry, this will be a rare first time opportunity for Sri Lankan fishery sector to directly network and learn important lessons from international experts right here in Colombo-and all such leading figures gathering together at the same time in one location. I urge the Lankan and regional fishery sectors to make the most of this. Some of the top presenters are not only fishery experts but are also leading international fishery businesspersons. Therefore, the networking potential will be considerable. Gerald Bassleer (Current President of Ornamental Fish International) will be a star presenter and I don’t think that Lankan fishery sector should miss him. The reputed Ornamental Fish International is a trade association across no less than 44 major fish exporting and importing nations. It is not I, but the late Dr. Alex Ploeg, former Secretary General of INFOFISH who was scheduled to be in Colombo today and meet you but very sadly, Dr. Alex Ploeg, his wife, their son and his friend all perished together in the recent MH17 plane crash above Ukraine on 17 July. Despite this great loss to us and the international fishery sector, to continue with Dr Ploeg’s valuable efforts, we still decided go ahead with Colombo event in November. The event is jointly organised by INFOFISH and EDB, and co-sponsored in collaboration with OFI.”

he Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia based INFOFISH is an inter-governmental organization across 14 countries and provides marketing information and technical advisory services to the fishery industries of the Asia-Pacific region. Specially, it’s the leading source of marketing support for fish producers and exporters in the region. In addition to exhibitions, conferences, workshops, seminars and training programs, INFOFISH also undertakes consultancies on all aspects of fisheries. Also joining the 12 August meeting were Dr Yousuf Maraikkar (ED-EDB) and reps from both NAQDA and NARA.

In 2013, Sri Lanka exported $10.7 Mn of ornamental fish, a surge of 41% from 2012’s exports. US, UK, Germany, Japan and France were the top five importers from Sri Lanka in Y‘13.

“First ever International Ornamental Fish Conference to be held in Sri Lanka is taking place this November with EDB’s support” said Bandula Egodage (Chairman/CEO-EDB). “We thank Malaysia based INFOFISH for affording this opportunity to Sri Lanka. In fact INFOFISH has been continuously assisting us to upgrade the Lankan sector. Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen inaugurated the 26th session of INFOFISH Governing Council held in Colombo in 2011 December. Therefore INFOFISH is no stranger to us. EDB wants to enlist stakeholders of Lankan fisheries such as the Fisheries Ministry, National Aquaculture Development Authority of Sri Lanka (NAQDA) and National Aquatic Resources Agency (NARA).”

“Ornamental fisheries sector in Sri Lanka is very cottage and SME level and has been identified as a potential export development segment” said Sujatha Weerakoon (DG-EDB). “Therefore we need to give them not only knowledge and resources, but even networking and international linkages as well. This is the reason we decided to do this global event in Sri Lanka in November so that international participants will discuss important aspects with the local participants. We are anticipating 200 to 300 participants of which one third will be foreign ” DG Weerakoon added.