Taiwan textile fair opens in Colombo

Daily FT - 25/11/2014

The Taiwan textile industry is the acknowledged world leader in research, development and manufacturing of fabric and garment accessories. The highly successful Taiwan Textile Fairs brings together leading suppliers of textiles and related products from Taiwan, one of the world’s largest apparel textiles exporting countries to Sri Lanka, at the Taiwan Textiles Fairs in South Asia 2014.

The fairs will showcase innovative and high performance functional textiles for apparel, bags, shoes, rainwear, etc. to Sri Lankan manufacturers. The fair will be held on 24 and 25 November at the Grand Crystal Ballroom of the Taj Samudra Hotel.

The Taiwan Textile Fairs in South Asia 2014 is an excellent opportunity for Sri Lankan apparel manufacturers, exporters, brand-owners, buying houses, buying agents, big retailers, importers, etc. to interact with manufacturers from Taiwan to source superior fabrics and textile auxiliaries that will add more value to their product range. The fairs will also introduce Sri Lankan manufacturers to new product categories to cater to growing demand in the domestic and export market.

The Sri Lanka apparel industry is set for strong growth on the back of continued positive growth in the economy, with it recording 7.8% growth year-on-year in the second quarter. The apparel industry, which makes up 15.9% of the economy’s total revenue, is on track to achieve the export target of US $ 5 billion by 2016 buoyed by rising export demand. Bilateral trade between Taiwan and Sri Lanka has increased over the years and the organisers believe that Sri Lanka has a strong demographic dividend. With South Asia predicted to become the largest textile and apparel producer, Taiwan is looking for stronger bilateral trade and co-operation with Sri Lanka.

Taiwan Textile Fairs in South Asia are organised by the Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT) and Taiwan Textile Federation (TTF) in association with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and represented in South Asia by Worldex India Exhibition and Promotion Ltd.
The event is supported by leading textile associations of Sri Lanka such as the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), the Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association (SLAEA) and the Sri Lanka Apparel Sourcing Association (SLASA).

The fairs will showcase a wide range of high performance and innovative textile products from knitted fabrics, functional fabrics, woven fabrics, polyester fabrics, Raschel, Jacquardtronic and Textronic laces, textile uxiliaries, leather auxiliaries, nature industrial cleaner, heat transfer label, reflective transfer label, active-casual fabric, texture fabric, double knit fleece fabric, laminated fabrics for shoe, bags, tents, rainwear, etc.

Taiwan Textile Fairs in South Asia 2013 was very successful, seeing over 300 buyers in just two days with concrete business ventures and collaborations taking place between exhibitors and buyers. Sean Tsai from the Overseas Market Development Department, remarked: “This year we are bringing special 100% waterproof nylon targeting the rainwear market: rain coat, tent roof, etc. as Sri Lanka faces heavy rains during the monsoons and there is a good opportunity for Taiwanese manufacturers to showcase their products in this sector.”

EDB hits China gold with first mainland MoU

Daily FT - 25/11/2014

• Deeper commitments with new FTA: Vice President Hua
• Fresh ties: EDB’s Egodage
• Exports to China grew in last 5 years: EDB’s Dr. Maraikkar
• Bilateral trade at $ 3 b

Sri Lankan exports broke fresh ground on 20 November, as a pioneering MoU between the country’s apex exports facilitator EDB and China was entered into in Colombo. With the commencement of FTA talks, bilateral relations have also further deepened.

“During President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Sri Lanka this September, he and President Mahinda Rajapaksa reached consensus to deepen the strategic partnership and joint construction of 21 Century Maritime Silk Road. Now the countries have officially started the bilateral FTA negotiations and we believe that the bilateral cooperation would be further deepened in future,” said Zhang Hua, Vice President of CCPIT Guangdong Sub Committee.

Hua was addressing the first MoU signing event between EDB and China Council for the Promotion of International Trade of Guangdong (CCPIT – Guangdon) held on 20 November at EDB, Colombo.
Reps from 19 leading Guangdong firms and Government enterprises, including  Guangdong Guangye Asset Management (mineral resources), Guangzou Dajunmei Electric (consumer electronics), Landrent Investment Ltd. (enterprise management), Qinyuang Takson (tea), Qinyuang Silver Field (tin and scrap metal processing), Qinyuang Shengli Copper Materials (copper processing), and First Rare Materials Co (producer of high purity metals including selenium, tellurium, cadmium), were present for B2Bs with more than 20 Lankan firms such as D. Samson Industries, Akbar Bros, Mt. Lavinia Hotel, Robert Agencies, Abans PLC, Oviklo International and Agility Logistics.

Guangdong (formerly Canton) is China’s largest provincial economy producing more than 10% of China’s GDP, with 104 m population and hosting some of the largest global multinationals such as Shell (the Petrochemical giant) and Du Pont (chemicals).

Guangdong also hosts China’s largest international annual expo, the Canton Fair.
Addressing the event, Hua said: “CCPIT Guangdong has maintained good cooperation, relations with Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Guangzhou, organised several business meetings to further promote bilateral communications. In fact, we have just organised a business meeting last month with the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Guangzhou for the entrepreneurial delegation led by EDB. We hope that today’s MoU with EDB will further promote bilateral business communications between Guangdong and Sri Lanka.”
China is Sri Lanka’s second largest import country with a value of $ 3 billion, accounting for 17% of total imports in 2013. Total trade with China was $ 3,081 m in 2013.

EDB Chairman/CEO Bandula Egodage addressing the event said: “This is the reciprocal event for the visit of the entrepreneurial delegation led by EDB to Guangdong. We thank you for giving us the opportunity to access Guangdong. The EDB team has played a considerable work to coordinate this MoU. The MoU is a commitment that shows the interest of both parties to engage in bilateral trade.”

EDB ED Dr. Yousuf Maraikkar, addressing the event, said: “China was the 18th export destination for Sri Lanka with an export value of $ 121 m, contributing 1.2% of total export earnings in 2013. Sri Lanka’s exports to China have grown over the past five years increasing from $ 59 m in 2009 to $ 121 m in 2013. The EDB has organised participation of 27 Sri Lankan companies at the 11th China International Small and Medium Enterprises Fair held in Guangzhou, China in October this year. Today’s MOU aims to exchange market information and relevant publications, exchange of official visits between two countries and support to participate at trade exhibitions and other trade events with the overall objective of developing trade between two countries.”

EDB Director General Sujatha Weerakoon led the Sri Lanka trade delegation to the 11th China International Small and Medium Enterprises Fair held in Guangzhou and during a meeting with the CCPIT Guangdong Province she invited CCPIT to organise a delegation from Guangdong, China to Sri Lanka.

EDB secures links with world’s largest textile retailer ZARA

Daily News - 26/11/2014

For the first time in Sri Lanka’s apparel history, the Export Development Board has directly linked top Lankan apparel suppliers with the world’s largest textile retailer, Spain’s ZARA and is stepping up its support for apparel market diversification.

“Though the Lankan apparel sector caters to many international brands, we have still not been able to manufacture to Zara brand, the world largest fashion retailer.

This successful effort directly linked our apparels to Zara for the first time,” said Chitranjali Dissanayake (Director-Industrial Products of SLEDB).

Dissanayake was reporting on the success of first ever Lankan apparel industry delegation to Spain’s Inditex, recently. Inditex ranks as the world’s largest textile retailer by sales, and is present in 87 countries.
It owns such international retail brands as Zara, Pull&Bear, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Stradivarius, Oysho, Zara Home and Uterqe.

“Inditex is commonly known by its oldest and biggest brand, Zara. Though Lankan apparel sector caters to many international brands such as Victoria’s Secret, Gap, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Marks & Spencer we have still not been able to manufacture to Zara brand, the world largest fashion retailer” said EDB Director Dissanayake, and added: “As a result of the Lankan industry leaders showing a keen interest to develop business contacts with Spain’s Inditex and to manufacture apparel in Sri Lanka for its ZARA Brand, the EDB promptly initiated a dialogue with Spain’s Inditex Inditex for an initial meeting with a Lankan delegation to present the country’s capabilities and invite Inditex SA to source from Sri Lanka.

EDB in global apparel breakthrough

Daily FT - 26/11/2014

• Secures links with world’s largest textile retailer ZARA
• 6-member EDB-led delegation to Spain 
• Brandix, Timex, Fergasam in pioneering session 
• September apparel exports up by 4.4%

For the first time in Sri Lanka’s apparel history, the EDB, Sri Lanka’s apex export facilitator, has directly linked top Lankan apparel suppliers with the world’s largest textile retailer, Spain’s ZARA on 29 October.
The facilitator, the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), is stepping up its support for apparel market diversification.

“Though the Lankan apparel sector caters to many international brands, such as Victoria’s Secret, Gap, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger and Marks & Spencer, we still haven’t been able to manufacture for the Zara brand, the world’s largest fashion retailer. This successful effort directly linked our apparels to Zara for the first time,” said EDB Director – Industrial Products Chitranjali Dissanayake recently.

Dissanayake was reporting on the success of the first-ever Lankan apparel industry delegation to Spain’s Inditex on 29 October. Inditex ranks as the world’s largest textile retailer by sales, is present in 87 countries, and owns international retail brands such as Zara, Pull&Bear, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Stradivarius, Oysho, Zara Home and Uterqüe.

Inditex’s consolidated sales in 2013 totaled over $ 20 b, recording an impressive growth of 6% over 2012. The Group’s brands strive to sell fashionable products (fast fashion) with high quality. Inditex describes its business model as “creativity and quality design together with a rapid response to market demands”.

“Inditex is commonly known by its oldest and biggest brand, Zara. As a result of the Lankan industry leaders showing a keen interest to develop business contacts with Spain’s Inditex and to manufacture apparel in Sri Lanka for its Zara brand, the EDB promptly initiated a dialogue with Spain’s Inditex for an initial meeting with a Lankan delegation to present the country’s capabilities and invite Inditex SA to source from Sri Lanka. EDB succeeded in getting the meeting, resulting in a good session with Jesus Echevarria Hernandez, General Director of Communication for Inditex SA, at their headquarters in Spain. Under the guidance of Minister of industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen and support of EDB Chairman and CEO Bandula Egodage, the EDB is stepping up support for the apparel market diversification efforts of Lankan sector.”
Apparels became the leading growth driver in September’s exports (followed by coconut and food, beverages and tobacco). September apparel exports grew by 4.4% to $ 403.8 m in September compared to the same period last year.

The pioneering 29 October Lankan delegation to Zara consisted of reps from Brandix Lanka, Timex & Fergasam Garments, Union Apparel and EDB officials. The six-member delegation, facilitated by EDB, Sri Lanka’s apex exports body, has held several one-to-one meetings with heads of sourcing teams of different Inditex product groups to explore manufacturing for Zara brand.

During the visit, the delegation was provided a Zara company presentation and a meeting with Hernandez, followed by a guided tour to their cutting and finishing processes and logistics departments located in corporate headquarters as well as headquarters of Zara and Zara Home, two Inditex brands. A detailed presentation on Sri Lanka’s capabilities on the apparel industry was made by the Sri Lanka delegation which was followed by a discussion.

The Sri Lankan apparel industry is readying to generate $ 5 b in export earnings by 2016 and the Government’s aim is to position Sri Lanka among the top 10 high quality apparel manufacturing countries in the world by 2020. Sri Lanka is gearing to position itself as a commercial hub and the apparel sector is keen on getting into supply chain management as well.

Kenya-Sri Lanka Joint Economic Cooperation talks a success

Daily FT - 18/11/2014

Kenya, the newest entrant to Africa’s top 10 list, called for renewed trade with Sri Lanka and in a display of its commitment towards this end requested three trade pacts with Sri Lanka in one go by 2015.

“We are looking forward to more trade interaction and expecting a delegation to Nairobi from Sri Lanka next year. By the time of your visit to Nairobi we are looking forward to conclude current discussions on three agreements being discussed and to sign them,” said Amb. Nelson Ndirangu Ogn (Director, Economic Affairs and International Trade of Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nairobi) on 12 November in Colombo.

Ogn was addressing Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen and top officials during his delegation’s courtesy call on Bathiudeen at the EDB. Ogn was in Colombo leading a nine-member trade delegation to Sri Lanka. The Kenyan team successfully concluded its Joint Economic Cooperation (JEC) session with Bathiudeen’s official delegation on 11 November.

Noting that Kenya is aiming to become a middle income country by 2030, Ogn expressed hope that the agreements – a Bilateral Trade Agreement, an agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation and an agreement on Promotion and Protection of Bilateral Investments – would be formalised during Sri Lanka’s visit there.

“Once we formalise these three instruments at government to government level, the private sectors at both ends can commence their own trade. Even on agriculture cooperation, a draft agreement is now being finalised. Our Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries will be coming to Sri Lanka to sign it once it is ready. All these bilateral agreements are for stronger trade between both countries. We also need to have ongoing B2B interactions and forge chamber level interactions.  President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited the Nairobi Chamber of Commerce last year and as a result the two chambers entered into a MoU which strengthened bilateral trade. We also saw your Chamber of Commerce in this visit and are impressed by your chamber, which was established way back in 1839. It is now time to expand business-to-business links between the two countries in a significant way.”

In 2013, trade between both countries stood at $13.94 m, rising from 2012’s $12.78 m.  Among Sri Lanka’s exports to Kenya in 2013 were natural rubber, tyres, sacks and bags, staple fibre, tea, rice, coconut coir and activated carbon. Trade in January-June 2014 totalled $ 5.86 m.

Kenya discovered oil and gas in 2012 and is now the ninth largest economy in Africa. In its Global Competitiveness Report 2014-’15, the World Economic Forum listed Kenya as the sixth best among the top 10 economic performers of Africa.

“I have been given to understand that 11 November’s Joint Commission (JEC) Session discussions were successful and I am pleased,” said Bathiudeen. “The JEC also helped to link our fruits and vegetables, construction, ceramics and leather sectors to Kenyan economy. We especially note your keen interest in our leather processing. We thank you for your invitation to us to Kenya’s Tea Expo in 2015. If you inform the EDB of the important events in your trade calendar in advance, we would be able to facilitate even greater B2B interactions. I am pleased about the Kenya Export Promotion Council’s interest to enter into a MoU with the EDB so that export and trade is facilitated starting from a higher level. Such a MoU can also facilitate joint trade delegations.”

Ogn and Bathiudeen also discussed other avenues of bilateral cooperation yesterday (17).
Also taking part were Ministry of Industry and Commerce Secretary Anura Siriwardene, EDB Chairman/CEO Bandula Egodage, EDB DG Sujatha Weerakoone and DoC DG R.D.S. Kumararatne.

Canada for more trade with SL

Daily FT - 19/11/2014

• Canada has 24 FTAs including NAFTA: Whiting 
• Another opening to largest market: Rishad 
• EDB revives TRO-Canada links
• Top Lankan exporters at Canada session
• Bilateral trade at $ 437 m

Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen (second from left) in discussion with EDB Chairman/CEO Bandula Egodage yesterday as Canadian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Shelley Whiting (far right) and Canada Asia-Trade Facilitation Office Project Manager Zaki Munshi (far left) look on

As part of its new internationalisation thrust, the second largest economy in North America directly called for a fresh trade round with Sri Lanka yesterday, recording success for Sri Lanka with yet another NAFTA member.

More than 100 Lankan firms of all sizes packed EDB’s pioneering ‘Exporting to Canada’ session in Colombo.

“I see great potential and synergy here today to do business with Canadian businesses and the Canadian import market. We are in a continuous process of internationalising, especially targeting emerging markets,” said Canadian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Shelley Whiting yesterday in Colombo.

Whiting was addressing the pioneering EDB session ‘Exporting to Canada’ held at the EDB, which was attended by over 200 eager reps from 100 Lankan firms of all sizes.

Also joining the session were Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen, EDB Chairman/CEO Bandula Egodage, Canada Asia-Trade Facilitation Office Project Manager Zaki Munshi, EDB DG Sujatha Weerakoone, EDB ED Dr. Yousuf Maraikkar, Bangalore Senior Canadian Trade Officer Stanley Gomes and officials from Sri Lankan Consulate, Toronto.

“Our aim is to build ties and extend businesses between both countries. The presence of TFO Canada in Colombo today speaks of the enormous economic progress underway in Sri Lanka right now and Sri Lanka’s potential as a trade partner for Canadian Companies. 54% of Lankan imports Canada are apparel. Canada has established an important share in Sri Lanka’s market for wheat and other agricultural commodities; 83% of Canadian merchandise exports to Sri Lanka in 2013 consisted of wheat and lentils,” said Whiting.

She added: “Canada and Sri Lanka share a broad-based bilateral relationship, with long history of development assistance to Sri Lanka beginning with Colombo Plan and continuing through today where Canadian technical assistance is focused on building sustainable economic growth. All the locomotives that arrived under the Plan 60 years ago are still functioning today! I think these Canadian workhorses are in many ways are symbolic of Canada’s trade relationship – longstanding, reliable, quality products, somewhat small-scale, but in for the long haul.

“We have a growing and significant presence in Sri Lanka’s education, agriculture, IT, energy, and infrastructure. Just as Sri Lanka engages in a large export volume to India, our main partner is also in our neighbourhood – in our case, the US. However, as various people have acknowledged, we are not defined by that trading relationship alone. Just this September, the Canadian Government celebrated its most successful month for trading and investment in Canadian history. Like Sri Lanka, Canada too has entered into several Trade Agreements including with the EU, Korea, etc. Starting from the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canada has signed nearly 24 FTAs with the world. We also have seen a fivefold increase in Canada-India trade in the recent years.”

Sri Lanka’s bilateral trade with Canada has shown a continuously growing trend in the last few years. The $ 346 m total in 2009 surged by 26.23% to cross $437 m in 2013.

Bathiudeen, addressing the event, said: “With the support of our committed exporters, President Mahinda Rajapaksa has set a goal of $ 20 billion exports by 2020. As we aim for this goal, not only diversification, but even deeper access to existing markets has become important. Canada is in fact a promising destination in this regard. Last year our bilateral trade with Canada stood at $ 437 m. Firstly, Canada’s consumer market is about 2.25% of the world’s total consumer market. The neighbouring US market, which is also the largest market in the world, has 28% of the world’s total consumer market. Therefore the Canadian market which is located just next to our biggest global marketplace not only offers its own opportunities for Lankan exporters, but even new openings to the US market as well.

“It is clear that $ 437 m trade with the Canada market also shows great unrealised potential that we can begin to explore. Today’s session with the valuable support of the Trade Facilitation Office of Canada (TFO Canada), and Sri Lankan Consulate in Toronto could help our committed exporters explore this promising North American market with added strength. I have no doubts that in time to come, with the support of TFO Canada, our EDB will be able to open new doors in Canada for our keen exporters. Therefore, on behalf of the people of Sri Lanka, I extend our warmest appreciation to the people of Canada today for this and many other support initiatives.”

Among the 106 Lankan private sector giants at yesterday’s session were A. Baur, Hayleys Exports, Eswaran Brothers, Ceylon Biscuits, Ramya Horticulture, Akbar Bros, Barbara Sansoni, Dankotuwa Porcelain, Samson Rubber and Anverally.

Jaffna Int’l Trade Fair during Jan 23-25, 2015

Daily News - 19/11/2014

The Jaffna International Trade Fair (JITF), the most comprehensive and ‘looked forward to’ exhibition in the North will be held for the sixth consecutive year in the heart of Jaffna from the January 23-25, 2015.

The exhibition which was the first of its kind to be held in the Northern region of the country has throughout the years been renowned as the best and most potent platform for the meeting of investors, businesses and the masses in the region.

JITF has been hailed to be the common platform under which networking and expanding of investments, business ideas, existing businesses and sharing of knowledge occurs. The North is yet to be fully penetrated by private investments and remains ‘virgin territory’, with many of the resources in the area yet to be fully utilized.

The Jaffna peninsula has among its natural riches and resources, a vibrant community filled with passionate human resources who are willing to harness and expand their potential through such meetings.

The exhibition last year drew record number of visitors with each exhibitor achieving well beyond their expected targets. The massive infrastructure development currently underway in the region has also paved way for many investment opportunities in the region which could not be afforded previously.

The regions, roads, electricity, bridges and all other core facets are currently being developed in the governments endeavor to ensure the region is on par with many of the most potent business and lifestyle destinations in the world.

K. Vignesh President of Chamber of Commerce & Industries of Yarlpanam said, “There is no event of this kind for the entire Northern region and all businesses and locals of the region look forward to this event. The exhibition is considered the best meeting point between them and the rest of the country and the world. Therefore each and every visitor to the exhibition is focused in order to harness maximum value during the three days”.

The exhibition will feature the construction industry, hospitality industry, food beverage and packing industry, Automobile industry, ICT industry, financial services, apparel, agricultural, consumer goods and many others, which will be on show during the three days.

CEO of the Presidential Award winning event organizer Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services Aasim Mukthar said that all exhibitors have throughout the years gained maximum benefits at the JITF.

“It is a historic event where the North meets the rest and is considered by everyone who participates as the best and most comprehensive destination to further their knowledge, investments and businesses. We have left no stone unturned in order to make the 2015 edition the best that the peninsula has ever witnessed and are of the belief that it will be one of a kind,” he said.

The event is supported by Consulate General of India – Jaffna, Federation of Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Sri Lanka ( FCCISL), Ceylon Institute of Builders (CIOB), Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) and the Jaffna Municipal Council along with the endorsement of the Ministry of Traditional Industries & Small Enterprise Development & Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB).