Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Sri Lanka, Bahrain launch business forum
Colombo Page - 30/04/2014
Photos by Sudath Silva
Sri Lanka and Bahrain Tuesday inaugurated the Bahrain-Sri Lanka Business Forum at the headquarters of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) in Manama.
A large gathering of prominent business leaders from both Sri Lanka and Bahrain participated in the Forum that consisted of business-to-business meetings and a visit to the Bahrain International Investment Park.
Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris, Bahrain's Minister of Industry and Commerce Dr. Hassan A. Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiyutheen and the Second Vice Chairman of Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry Jawad Alhawaj delivered speeches at the forum.
Two discussion sessions were held during the Forum. While the first discussion has focused on the business opportunities available in Bahrain for the Sri Lankan business community, the second session discussed trade, tourism and investment in Sri Lanka, Bahrain News Agency said.
Chairman of Sri Lanka Export Development Council, Bandula Egodage, Director General of Sri Lanka Tourism, Dr. D. S. Jayaweera, and Director of Investment Board of Sri Lanka, K.D. Lawrence have made presentations at the session.
Addressing the gathering, Industry and Commerce Minister of Bahrain, Dr. Hassan Fakhro, recalled that agreements and memoranda of understanding have been signed between the two countries over the years.
The Bahraini Minister noted that the bilateral non-oil trade with Sri Lanka has increased from approximately US$9 million in 2006 to some US$30 million by 2011.
The Minister affirming that the visit of the Sri Lankan President to Bahrain is a great opportunity to invigorate mutual business relations highlighted the promising opportunities available in Bahrain for Sri Lankan investors and areas of potential cooperation, particularly in foodstuffs, building materials, tourism, textiles, garment manufacturing and banking.
There are approximately 20 Sri Lankan companies operating in various fields, Dr. Fakhro has confirmed.
Noting the contributions of Sri Lankan community to Bahrain's socio-economic development, the Minister has commended the excellent Bahraini-Sri Lankan relations and welcomed foreign investors in a suitable investment environment.
The two countries have signed an Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement, a Memorandum of Understanding on Economic, Trade and Technical Cooperation signed in 2009, an Agreement of Cooperation with the Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL), an Agreement for the Establishment of a Joint Business Council with the FCCISL, as well as a Cooperation Agreement between BCCI and Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce, which was signed in 2007.
Deputy Minister of Labor and Labor Relations Sarath Weerasekara and Sri Lanka's Ambassador to Bahrain Mr. Anura Rajakaruna also participated in the event.
Photos by Sudath Silva
Sri Lanka and Bahrain Tuesday inaugurated the Bahrain-Sri Lanka Business Forum at the headquarters of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) in Manama.
A large gathering of prominent business leaders from both Sri Lanka and Bahrain participated in the Forum that consisted of business-to-business meetings and a visit to the Bahrain International Investment Park.
Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris, Bahrain's Minister of Industry and Commerce Dr. Hassan A. Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiyutheen and the Second Vice Chairman of Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry Jawad Alhawaj delivered speeches at the forum.
Two discussion sessions were held during the Forum. While the first discussion has focused on the business opportunities available in Bahrain for the Sri Lankan business community, the second session discussed trade, tourism and investment in Sri Lanka, Bahrain News Agency said.
Chairman of Sri Lanka Export Development Council, Bandula Egodage, Director General of Sri Lanka Tourism, Dr. D. S. Jayaweera, and Director of Investment Board of Sri Lanka, K.D. Lawrence have made presentations at the session.
Addressing the gathering, Industry and Commerce Minister of Bahrain, Dr. Hassan Fakhro, recalled that agreements and memoranda of understanding have been signed between the two countries over the years.
The Bahraini Minister noted that the bilateral non-oil trade with Sri Lanka has increased from approximately US$9 million in 2006 to some US$30 million by 2011.
The Minister affirming that the visit of the Sri Lankan President to Bahrain is a great opportunity to invigorate mutual business relations highlighted the promising opportunities available in Bahrain for Sri Lankan investors and areas of potential cooperation, particularly in foodstuffs, building materials, tourism, textiles, garment manufacturing and banking.
There are approximately 20 Sri Lankan companies operating in various fields, Dr. Fakhro has confirmed.
Noting the contributions of Sri Lankan community to Bahrain's socio-economic development, the Minister has commended the excellent Bahraini-Sri Lankan relations and welcomed foreign investors in a suitable investment environment.
The two countries have signed an Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement, a Memorandum of Understanding on Economic, Trade and Technical Cooperation signed in 2009, an Agreement of Cooperation with the Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL), an Agreement for the Establishment of a Joint Business Council with the FCCISL, as well as a Cooperation Agreement between BCCI and Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce, which was signed in 2007.
Deputy Minister of Labor and Labor Relations Sarath Weerasekara and Sri Lanka's Ambassador to Bahrain Mr. Anura Rajakaruna also participated in the event.
Legitimacy 'ensuring Bahrain's success'
Gulf Daily News - 30/04/2014
Legitimacy is the single all-encompassing characteristic that makes Bahrain business-friendly, Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro said yesterday.
Speaking at the opening of the Bahrain-Sri Lanka Business Forum at Beit Al Tijjar, Dr Fakhro said legitimacy meant that Bahrain embraced the rule of law, and authorities strived to be the best at what they do, whether it be in terms of laws and regulations, domestic and international policies, or simply in the way that individuals were respected irrespective of ethnicity and the principles of a truly secular state were upheld.
"It is this legitimacy that has underpinned Bahrain's rise as an important financial centre, and helped in avoiding the contagion felt across the globe during the financial crisis," he said.
"It is this that will ensure our future growth and stability, and will continue to encourage international investors, including more we hope from Sri Lanka, to invest with us in a myriad of opportunities both in Bahrain and using the kingdom as a gateway to the Middle East and North African region."
The opening of the forum was also attended by Finance Minister and Minister in charge of Oil and Gas Affairs Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Labour Minister Jameel Humaidan, Sri Lankan Ambassador Anura Rajakaruna, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) second deputy chairman Jawad Al Hawaj and a number of businessmen and businesswomen.
It was held within the framework of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa's state visit to the kingdom.
Dr Fakhro said a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding have been entered into between the two countries over the years, including a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement; a memorandum of understanding on economic, trade and technical co-operation, signed in 2009; an agreement of co-operation with the Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL): an agreement with FCCISL for the establishment of a joint business council, as well as a co-operation agreement between BCCI and the Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce, signed in 2007.
"Bilateral non-oil trade has increased from around $9 million in 2006 to $30m by 2011 and is a good indication that these agreements have been bearing fruit," he said.
"But I am certain that much more can be done to increase our mutual trade and investment, and this visit of President Rajapaksa provides us with a golden opportunity to launch a new effort to invigorate our relationship.
"There are many sectors and sub-sectors which may have promising opportunities for Sri Lankan investors, and areas of potential co-operation particularly in foodstuffs, building materials, tourism, textiles, garment manufacturing and banking," he added.
Sri Lanka's External Affairs Minister Prof G L Pieris and Industry and Commerce Minister Rishard Bathiudeen also addressed the forum as well as Mr Al Hawaj.
The forum also saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the BCCI and the Women's Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) of Sri Lanka. It was signed by Mr Al Hawaj and WCIC chairwoman Dr Sarosh Dubash.
Abdulla Yousef Fakhro and Sons Group chairman Dr Esam Fakhro, Industry and Commerce Ministry Under-Secretary Osama Alarrayedh, Central Bank of Bahrain executive director for banking operations Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, and GPIC president Dr Abdulrahman Jawahery took part in a discussion 'Opportunities for Sri Lankan business in Bahrain'.
The second discussion was about trade, tourism and investment in Sri Lanka with participation from Sri Lanka Export Development Council chairman Badula Egodage, Sri Lanka Tourism director-general Dr D S Jayaweera, and Sri Lanka Investment Board director K D Lawrence.
The double taxation between both countries has been eliminated, free trade agreements, almost similar tax regimes are pointers to excellent climate for growing bilateral trade," Shaikh Ahmed said.
"The private sector will now have to play its role - building the bridges and taking the relation forward," he added.
Sri Lanka seeks Bahraini investment in the hospitality sector, as the country needs to add 35,000 rooms by 2016, Mr Bathiudeen said. Bahrain's strength in the information technology and e-commerce could be used to benefit in Sri Lanka, he added.
Legitimacy is the single all-encompassing characteristic that makes Bahrain business-friendly, Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro said yesterday.
Speaking at the opening of the Bahrain-Sri Lanka Business Forum at Beit Al Tijjar, Dr Fakhro said legitimacy meant that Bahrain embraced the rule of law, and authorities strived to be the best at what they do, whether it be in terms of laws and regulations, domestic and international policies, or simply in the way that individuals were respected irrespective of ethnicity and the principles of a truly secular state were upheld.
"It is this legitimacy that has underpinned Bahrain's rise as an important financial centre, and helped in avoiding the contagion felt across the globe during the financial crisis," he said.
"It is this that will ensure our future growth and stability, and will continue to encourage international investors, including more we hope from Sri Lanka, to invest with us in a myriad of opportunities both in Bahrain and using the kingdom as a gateway to the Middle East and North African region."
The opening of the forum was also attended by Finance Minister and Minister in charge of Oil and Gas Affairs Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Labour Minister Jameel Humaidan, Sri Lankan Ambassador Anura Rajakaruna, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) second deputy chairman Jawad Al Hawaj and a number of businessmen and businesswomen.
It was held within the framework of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa's state visit to the kingdom.
Dr Fakhro said a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding have been entered into between the two countries over the years, including a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement; a memorandum of understanding on economic, trade and technical co-operation, signed in 2009; an agreement of co-operation with the Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL): an agreement with FCCISL for the establishment of a joint business council, as well as a co-operation agreement between BCCI and the Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce, signed in 2007.
"Bilateral non-oil trade has increased from around $9 million in 2006 to $30m by 2011 and is a good indication that these agreements have been bearing fruit," he said.
"But I am certain that much more can be done to increase our mutual trade and investment, and this visit of President Rajapaksa provides us with a golden opportunity to launch a new effort to invigorate our relationship.
"There are many sectors and sub-sectors which may have promising opportunities for Sri Lankan investors, and areas of potential co-operation particularly in foodstuffs, building materials, tourism, textiles, garment manufacturing and banking," he added.
Sri Lanka's External Affairs Minister Prof G L Pieris and Industry and Commerce Minister Rishard Bathiudeen also addressed the forum as well as Mr Al Hawaj.
The forum also saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the BCCI and the Women's Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) of Sri Lanka. It was signed by Mr Al Hawaj and WCIC chairwoman Dr Sarosh Dubash.
Abdulla Yousef Fakhro and Sons Group chairman Dr Esam Fakhro, Industry and Commerce Ministry Under-Secretary Osama Alarrayedh, Central Bank of Bahrain executive director for banking operations Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, and GPIC president Dr Abdulrahman Jawahery took part in a discussion 'Opportunities for Sri Lankan business in Bahrain'.
The second discussion was about trade, tourism and investment in Sri Lanka with participation from Sri Lanka Export Development Council chairman Badula Egodage, Sri Lanka Tourism director-general Dr D S Jayaweera, and Sri Lanka Investment Board director K D Lawrence.
The double taxation between both countries has been eliminated, free trade agreements, almost similar tax regimes are pointers to excellent climate for growing bilateral trade," Shaikh Ahmed said.
"The private sector will now have to play its role - building the bridges and taking the relation forward," he added.
Sri Lanka seeks Bahraini investment in the hospitality sector, as the country needs to add 35,000 rooms by 2016, Mr Bathiudeen said. Bahrain's strength in the information technology and e-commerce could be used to benefit in Sri Lanka, he added.
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Sri Lanka’s Basilur Tea wins top North American food award
Daily FT - 28/04/2014
In the wake of record exports in 2013, Pure Ceylon Tea has reported yet another achievement, with Basilur Tea Canada, allied to its Lankan firm Basilur Tea, clinching the main award at North America’s top food and beverages trade show this year.
“Basilur’s herbal tea product ‘Fruit Infusions’ received the highest award – the 2014 Top-10 Product Award – at the SIAL Canada expo. This is considered by many food industry specialists as a very rare achievement since Basilur has reached the Top-10 twice within three years,” said Basilur Tea Canada Director Rohan Perera on Thursday.
Previously Basilur won the Top-10 Most Innovative Products of Canada Award in 2012 followed with a Selection Award reaching Top-50 in North America in 2013. The SIAL 2014 packed 767 exhibitors from 43 countries and more than 14,000 visitors.
The SIAL expo is one of the world’s largest network of food-industry shows, with a presence on four continents with 7,500 exhibitors. SIAL Canada is one of the two most important food industry shows in North America.
Ontario-based Basilur Tea Canada is well-known for promoting Pure Ceylon Tea in Canada through its innovative packaging methods and diversity of flavouring, aimed specifically at the Canadian palette.
The latest award was presented to Basilur Tea Canada in Montreal at a gala celebration in the presence of over 500 dignitaries including government ministers, heads of government departments, heads of multinational corporations and the media.
“We were featured in over 20 printed and electronic media channels, generating a lot of publicity. While these achievements have helped us to enter into many market segments in the mainstream, they have also helped other products in our portfolio to gain market access. Hence we are looking into identifying more innovative and competitive products to add to our portfolio. We conduct extensive market research, create professional marketing programs and work closely with manufacturers to develop products to meet the required standards both in quality, packaging and presentation,” Director Perera added.
In 2013, Sri Lanka tea exports recorded 319 mkg, reaching its highest-ever earning of $ 1.558 b. Russia, Iran, Turkey and Iraq were the leading Ceylon Tea buyers.
- Third SIAL Canada triumph for Basilur Tea
- Latest award is for herbal infusion to Ceylon Tea
- 2013 tea exports at $ 1.5 b
In the wake of record exports in 2013, Pure Ceylon Tea has reported yet another achievement, with Basilur Tea Canada, allied to its Lankan firm Basilur Tea, clinching the main award at North America’s top food and beverages trade show this year.
“Basilur’s herbal tea product ‘Fruit Infusions’ received the highest award – the 2014 Top-10 Product Award – at the SIAL Canada expo. This is considered by many food industry specialists as a very rare achievement since Basilur has reached the Top-10 twice within three years,” said Basilur Tea Canada Director Rohan Perera on Thursday.
Previously Basilur won the Top-10 Most Innovative Products of Canada Award in 2012 followed with a Selection Award reaching Top-50 in North America in 2013. The SIAL 2014 packed 767 exhibitors from 43 countries and more than 14,000 visitors.
The SIAL expo is one of the world’s largest network of food-industry shows, with a presence on four continents with 7,500 exhibitors. SIAL Canada is one of the two most important food industry shows in North America.
Ontario-based Basilur Tea Canada is well-known for promoting Pure Ceylon Tea in Canada through its innovative packaging methods and diversity of flavouring, aimed specifically at the Canadian palette.
The latest award was presented to Basilur Tea Canada in Montreal at a gala celebration in the presence of over 500 dignitaries including government ministers, heads of government departments, heads of multinational corporations and the media.
“We were featured in over 20 printed and electronic media channels, generating a lot of publicity. While these achievements have helped us to enter into many market segments in the mainstream, they have also helped other products in our portfolio to gain market access. Hence we are looking into identifying more innovative and competitive products to add to our portfolio. We conduct extensive market research, create professional marketing programs and work closely with manufacturers to develop products to meet the required standards both in quality, packaging and presentation,” Director Perera added.
In 2013, Sri Lanka tea exports recorded 319 mkg, reaching its highest-ever earning of $ 1.558 b. Russia, Iran, Turkey and Iraq were the leading Ceylon Tea buyers.
PUM Netherlands Senior Experts
The Sunday Leader - 27/04/2014
- The dutch contribution to social market economy in Sri Lanka
The PUM Netherlands Senior Experts (formerly known as NMCP) has completed over 400 projects assisting industries and service organizations in Sri Lanka. PUM commenced its activities in Sri Lanka in 1990. We are proud to be serving the local industry for over 24 years providing them with much needed new technology.
The entrepreneur/company receives the much needed modern technology and knowhow the PUM expert gained throughout his career during over 30 years of service at a senior level. Our experts are happy to share their knowledge and experience. They give practical advice on how local businesses can make their ideas work to realize their vision. Our target group is small and medium-scale enterprises (SME) with a work force of around 100 employees. SME’s generate employment opportunities contributing to the social market economy of a country and also provide support services to big industries. Therefore, SME’s are an invaluable asset to any country since they help larger enterprises to achieve their production and export targets. However, SME’s cannot afford to hire foreign experts. This is where PUM Senior Experts fills the gap. This enables SME’s to keep up with similar industries operating in other countries and contribute to the industrial development in the country they operate in.
PUM covers 75 sectors of industry and servicesand is active in 70 countries worldwide. These sectors include Agriculture, Arable farming, Horticulture, Dairy farming and processing of Dairy products, Fisheries, Bee Keeping, Metal, Rubber, Leather, Textile and Wood industry, Food and Beverage, Electronics and Chemical industry and also Information Technology, Health care, Transport& logistics, Tourism, hotels and catering, Publishing & Printing, Training & Education, Energy, Water & Environment. When the PUM expert finds that foreign exposure and links with Dutch industry would be beneficial to the local industry we organize training visits and business link visits to the Netherlands for one or two key persons from the local industry. Over 100 local entrepreneurs have visited the Netherlands during the past yearsunder this program.
A request made by a company serves as the basis for the placement of PUM experts. Working together with the PUM local representative in the country the company submits a request for assistance. At the PUM head office in The Hague, The Netherlands the country coordinator and sector coordinator matches an expert with the required background, knowledge and experience. Then the CV (curriculum vitae) of the proposed expert is sent to the company through the local representative. If the company agrees with it then we proceed with the international travel arrangements. All travel expenses are paid by PUM.
The requesting company’s obligation is to pick up the expert from the airport on his arrival and provide him with decent accommodation and food during his stay. They also have to provide him with local transport necessary for work and make sure that he is dropped at the airport for his return flight to the Netherlands. In many cases we have noticed that the expert ends up becoming a close friend of the entrepreneur. Generally the experts keep in touch with the company after their return to the Netherlands and continue their advice by e-mail. If required we offer follow up visits by experts to the same company.PUM works closely with the Netherlands Embassy, the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, Industrial Development Board and Chambers of Commerce in the country. The contact details of the local representatives in Sri Lanka are given in the advertisement published in this supplement. Please visit our website www.pum.nl/home-ENfor more information.
Monday, April 21, 2014
Design development programme for Handloom Industry
Daily News - 21/04/2014
By K.A. Aleem
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board is making arrangements to organize a Design Development Programme for the Handloom Industry of Sri Lanka, obtaining the service of an International Design Expert
The objective is to enhance the design capabilities of a selected group of handloom manufactures and for exporters to upgrade their design capabilities and develop their products targeting the International Market. The programme is scheduled to be held during June 30 to July 17, 2014 at the SLEDB Auditorium.
Jennifer Shellard, Visiting Lecture Department of Voven Textiles University of Creative Art London will be the resource person. The service of the International design expert will be obtained for Individual Consultation with each participating company to improve design capabilities and to provide technical advice on product adoption and conduct a one day workshop on design development international market trends and requirements.
By K.A. Aleem
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board is making arrangements to organize a Design Development Programme for the Handloom Industry of Sri Lanka, obtaining the service of an International Design Expert
The objective is to enhance the design capabilities of a selected group of handloom manufactures and for exporters to upgrade their design capabilities and develop their products targeting the International Market. The programme is scheduled to be held during June 30 to July 17, 2014 at the SLEDB Auditorium.
Jennifer Shellard, Visiting Lecture Department of Voven Textiles University of Creative Art London will be the resource person. The service of the International design expert will be obtained for Individual Consultation with each participating company to improve design capabilities and to provide technical advice on product adoption and conduct a one day workshop on design development international market trends and requirements.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Sri Lanka to double income from ornamental fish exports by 2016
Colombo Page - 10/04/2014
Sri Lanka has earned over Rs 1.2 billion last year from exporting ornamental fish and measures will be taken to double this income by 2016, the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry says.
Sri Lanka's ornamental fish production had produced over 46,000 metric tons in 2009 and this amount has increased to nearly 70,000 metric tons last year, placing Sri Lanka in the third place in exporting ornamental fishes, according to the Ministry.
Sri Lanka earned an income of Rs. 750 million in 2005 from the ornamental fish industry and this income has increased to Rs. 1.212 billion last year.
The Ministry expects to earn Rs. 2 billion from the industry in the next two years.
Sri Lanka has earned over Rs 1.2 billion last year from exporting ornamental fish and measures will be taken to double this income by 2016, the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry says.
Sri Lanka's ornamental fish production had produced over 46,000 metric tons in 2009 and this amount has increased to nearly 70,000 metric tons last year, placing Sri Lanka in the third place in exporting ornamental fishes, according to the Ministry.
Sri Lanka earned an income of Rs. 750 million in 2005 from the ornamental fish industry and this income has increased to Rs. 1.212 billion last year.
The Ministry expects to earn Rs. 2 billion from the industry in the next two years.
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