Sri Lankan Agricultural Delegation visit Israel

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

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

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

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

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

Daily FT - 23/09/2014

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

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

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

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

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

EDB calls for full Lankan exporter registration

Asian Tribune - 19/09/2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sri Lanka starts work on global consumer compliance

Asian Tribune - 21/09/2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Footwear Exports Double

The Sunday Leader - 21/09/2014

Sri Lankan manufactured Footwear exports have doubled during the year 2013, compared 2012, a new study conducted by the Ceylon Chamber has revealed.

According to the study titled ‘Footwear Exports and Imports of Sri Lanka – Statistical Analysis’, which covers the periods of 2006 to 2013, Australia and Italy ranks as the main export markets for Sri Lankan footwear.

The analysis also shows that China is the leading exporter of footwear to Sri Lankan market accounting for 41% of the total footwear imports made by the country in 2013. India follows with an 18% share. Sri Lanka has imported footwear for a value of Rs. 3.2 billion during the year 2013, a 30% increase from what was imported in 2012.

‘Footwear Exports and Imports of Sri Lanka – Statistical Analysis’ conducted by the Chamber, includes a comprehensive cover of products under HS code 64 by Footwear category and Country of Origin, Comparison of Footwear Exports, Imports of Sri Lanka during last 8 years, A brief overview of the world footwear market, Global Trends and forecasts of the Footwear industry, Value and Direction of Sri Lanka’s Footwear Exports and Imports, Major Markets for Sri Lankan Footwear and Major Sources of Imports of Footwear into Sri Lanka etc.

Sri Lanka looks to dress more Brazilians

Daily FT - 22/09/2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The need for exporters to register with the EDB stressed

Ceylon Today - 17-09-2014

Sri Lanka's apex export entity – EDB, yesterday claimed that some non-registered exporters with no knowledge of procedures have brought a bad reputation for Sri Lanka.

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

EDB Director General, Sujatha Weerakoon, said yesterday that the EDB has issued a clarion call to the country's exporter community to register with it and enlist in its surging database.
She said, of 295 consignments 290 were contaminated. None of the exporters of contaminated consignments were registered with the EDB. These few non-registered exporters, unaware of procedures, have brought a bad reputation for Sri Lanka.
Thus she pointed out that, it is time all Lankan exporters register with EDB.


From 1 August 1985, any and all exporters in Sri Lanka should register with EDB, as per gazetted regulations, in that, anyone exporting any article of commercial value from Sri Lanka on or after 1 August 1985, should register with the EDB. This registration is free of charge and is not a hindrance to the exporter, but rather, brings some benefits to the exporters where it could build a rapport with the topmost export body the EDB. They can enter EDB's database, and from time to time, they could receive relevant export information," she added.


Weerakoon made these remarks addressing a session on 'How to export quality fruit & vegetable to the EU Region,' organized by EDB with the assistance of the National Plant Quarantine Service, Department of Agriculture and the Department of Commerce held at EDB yesterday.


She said during their recent meeting with the Treasury facilitated by EDB, Sri Lanka's committed fruits and vegetable exporters came forward to contribute to make the sector a half-a-billion dollar industry in the future. Also what they were looking forward from the government was mostly policy direction and shaping, rather than funding support for them.
Moreover she said, most fruits and vegetable exporters are SME oriented and down the value chain, there is a significant contribution by them to our employment and farmer society and clusters, having a direct connection to our economy. "Now you can see that despite low export values, how important this sector is."


As per Customs Department data, 3,650 exporters of all scales were active in 2013 which included both EDB registered and non-registered exporters. As of 2014 July, 3,170 such active Lankan exporters have been reported, both EDB registered and non-registered. Interestingly, EDB statistics indicate that 227,853 companies, individuals, and SMEs have been registered with the EDB as exporters since 1 August 1985, getting into active exports at one time or another. Therefore, the overall exporters since 1985 August (both EDB registered and non-registered) could be much higher.


Champika Hewage OIC - Plant Quarantine Station Sea Port, Colombo who made an extensive and in-depth presentation on quarantine procedures adopted in Sri Lanka for fruits and vegetables, pledged to the exporters that when they export these products to markets such as EU, showing exports standards alone may not be enough – sometimes they even need to show that they have followed good agricultural practices. Based on the type of export products, the agency was in a position to help and teach them the necessary steps.


Around 65% of Sri Lanka's fruits and vegetable exports head to the Maldives and the Middle East. In 2013, Sri Lanka exported US$19.69 million of vegetables and US$ 40.82 million of fruits across the world. Fruit exports alone jumped by 118% from 2012 onwards to US$ 19 million. Vegetable exports too increased from US$15.06 million in 2012 to US$ 19.69 in 2013. Despite the low export volumes, both are critical for the Sri Lankan economy due to the social and livelihood importance of them in the SME value chain.


Among the representatives present at yesterday's session were from Aitken Spence Exports, Jagro, Eastern and Allied Agencies, Aloy Expo Ltd., Nidro Supply Ltd., Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, CR Exports, Ellawala Horticulture, Kingsfood, and HNB.
Representatives from Plant Quarantine Station (Sea Port, Colombo), the Department of Commerce also made detailed presentations to the exporters joined by Darshana Perera (Deputy Director – EDB).