Exports in Sri Lanka: 2014

Lankan ICTs first entry to Slush 2015

news.lk - 17/12/2014

In a major renewal of its economic cooperation with Sri Lanka, World’s ICT innovation leader has announced that it is ready to form a joint Business Council with Sri Lanka for the first time, as revealed on dEC.04-and Lankan ICT start-ups have received a breakthrough invitation to showcase themselves at one of world’s top-tier start-up events in 2015.

“It is time that we establish a Finland-Sri Lanka Business Council for B2B activities. Such a mechanism will kick-start the process. We are also looking forward to see SME level Sri Lankan ICT BPM and business start-ups at the 2015 ‘Slush’ event in Helsinki” said an upbeat Matti Anttonen, Finnish Deputy Minister of External Economic Relations & Finnish Under-Secretary of State on dEC.04 in Colombo.

Jan-Oct exports surge to $ 9 b

Daily FT - 10/12/2014

YoY Jan-Oct exports up by 8.7% to $ 9.1 b
Working towards $ 20 b by 2020: EDB’s Egodage
Fisheries in turnaround
US still topmost market for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s January-October YoY exports have surged by almost 9% while an export product that recently faced volatile EU markets showed a promising turnaround, as revealed yesterday.

“For the month of October 2014 alone our provisional exports were at $ 900 m and this is only merchandise exports without taking into account of service exports such as ICT,” said EDB Chairman/CEO Bandula Egodage, commenting on the provisional top-line export data presented to him by EDB Directors at a progress review session held at the EDB yesterday.

‘Lanka IT sector to hit $1B mark next year’-EDB

news.lk - 05/12/2014

Sri Lanka’s surging IT and BPO exports would hit the critical dollar one billion mark as early as next year, surpassing previous expectations! And London Stock Exchange and HSBC have praised the Lankan IT sector ‘with joy’, as revealed on 05 December in Jaffna. And the pioneering Northern IT Exports forum by EDB & ICTA was packed with enthusiastic regional IT industry.

“We earned $719 Mn from ICT exports, and our projection for 2014 is $820 Mn. At this rate, we expect to hit dollar one billion mark very soon-as early as 2015. We have seen 123% growth in IT sector over the last five years. London Stock Exchange and HSBC also praised the Lankan IT sector with joy” said Saman Maldeni (Director, Export Services of SLEDB) on 05 December in Jaffna.

EDB to host international delegation at SLDF 2014

Daily FT - 05/12/2014

Lanka Design Festival (SLDF) 2014, which is backed by local industries and the Government, is scheduled to kick off over the next few days.

The main objective of the festival is to promote design driven exports as a major economic sector for the country. For this reason, SLDF is supported by Sri Lanka’s apex institute for driving exports, the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB).

Visegrád Four to synergise Lanka's FTAs to penetrate South Asia

Daily News - 04/12/2014

The V4 industrial economy billed as the Tetra Tiger due to its high growth, has revealed for the first time that it wants to synergise Lanka's historic FTAs to penetrate South Asia, and it is also readying for new bilateral efforts of high capacity across the board-in Lanka's wheat production, energy and even defence.

"Our aim is to make Sri Lanka our business and investment platform to South Asia. There are many Slovakian manufacturers ready to invest here, produce and export to South Asian markets using your FTAs with India and Pakistan," said Peter Burian, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic recently.

Over US$ 1b gems to China by 2016

Daily News - 05/12/2014

Sri Lanka could bridge the trade imbalance with China to a greater extent and also increase the US$ one billion overall export target in 2016, if the local gem/precious stone exports were encouraged and developed. At present there is a huge trade gap in favor of China, Director Marketing and Export -National Gem and Jewellery Authority, Rohan Perera said.

"We are now looking at increasing gem export to China being the biggest buyer in the recent past. Since, China being a prosperous country in the world the demand for super luxury items like gems has increased considerably," Perera told the Daily News Business.

20 IT SMEs in EDB’s first Jaffna Export Forum today

Daily FT - 05/12/2014

‘30 more would be entrepreneurs too’: SLAASCOM’s Sekaram
‘$ 5B IT exports by 2020’: EDB’s Egodage
‘Cloud tech helping regional IT’: SLAASCOM’s Sekaram2103 IT exports at $ 719 m

Sri Lanka’s apex export facilitator EDB’s first IT event in Jaffna has been boosted by an influx of Jaffna based operators and would be ICT entrepreneurs on 4 December and the event also packs in-depth industry presentations from no less than seven top Lankan IT firms.

“Almost 20 SME IT operators in Jaffna region have registered for 5 December’s IT/BPM Export Forum in Jaffna. Another 30 prospective IT entrepreneurs from Jaffna who are looking to set-up, too have joined making it a total of 50 players,” said SLASSCOM Vice Chairman Mano Sekaram on 4 December in Colombo.

New dimension in Lankan fashion and apparel to debut at SLDF 2014

Daily FT - 02/12/2014

Sri Lanka Design Festival’s 2014 fashion edition is taking shape with a preview into Sri Lanka’s brand-led future in fashion. Taking a giant step forward from the country’s longstanding reputation as a sustainable and technologically advanced manufacturing destination, Sri Lanka is about to forge its reputation as a fashion industry with its own brands. Sri Lanka Design Festival is the platform for this major step for Sri Lanka, and its sixth successful fashion edition is scheduled to unfold this week.

Vietnam calls for FTA

Daily FT - 02/12/2014

‘Appointing Lanka’s first trade official to Vietnam’ – Rishad
‘Bilateral trade should not be just rice and tea’ – Kieu Thu
YoY bilateral trade surges by 88%
‘Time to explore joint apparel synergies too’ – Kieu Thu

Stepping up its trade cooperation with Sri Lanka, Vietnam said that it was working towards establishing a groundbreaking FTA with Sri Lanka.

In view of this, Sri Lanka has promptly appointed its first-ever trade officer to Vietnam, the world’s fifth largest apparel exporter which is ready to partner with Sri Lanka’s own apparel industry.

“There is huge unrealised trade potential between both countries that we need to explore. Trade need not be mostly the exchange of rice and tea between both countries. Therefore, while in Colombo, I will take up the task of promoting an FTA with Sri Lanka,” said Vietnam’s new ambassador to Sri Lanka, Phan Kieu Thu on 27 November in Colombo.

As both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka moved closer to their historic trade pact, the process took a new turn as a keen Bangladeshi private sector itself stepping in to accelerate it on 27 November, a rare development in an on-going Lankan trade negotiations-and bilateral trade between both countries has jumped by a strong 67%.

“I will meet our Commerce Minister who is very well meaning and serious, and inform him to expedite the FTA process” said Mahbubur Rahman (President, International Chamber of Commerce of Bangladesh ICCB) on Thursday (27) in Colombo. ICCB President Rahman was addressing Rishad Bathiudeen.

How to develop Sri Lanka’s wood-based industry

Daily Mirror - 24/11/2014

A conference and workshop under the theme “Wood Based Industry – Way Forward’ organized by the Wood Based Industrialist Association of Sri Lanka (WBIA), will be held at the Export Development Board (EDB) Auditoriumon on November 28.

Channa Wijesekera, President of the Wood Based Industrialist Association of Sri Lanka, is expected to outline the problems facing the wood based industry in this article. He explains why this important industry has not developed over the years and proposes a series of solutions to remedy the situation.
When analyzing the development of t he various industries in Sri Lanka, the timber and ti mber related industry indicates a comparative downward trend or slow progress in comparison with the other industries.

Russia shows green light on fish import from SL

Daily Mirror - 26/11/2014

Russia has granted approval to import fish and fish products to the Russian Federation from Sri Lanka, 2014, the External Affairs Ministry said.

The Ministry said the Federal Service of Veterinary Surveillance under the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation granted approval to import fish and fish products to the Russian Federation as a result of the untiring efforts of the Sri Lankan Government through its Embassy in Russia.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sri Lanka's export trade sector grows 11.1%

Ceylon Today - 16/11/2014

Sri Lanka's Export Trade sector recorded a relatively a higher growth of 11.1 per cent in second quarter 2014, when compared to the slower growth of 1.2 per cent recorded in the second quarter of 2013, Department of Census and Statistics said in its Quarterly Estimates of Gross Domestic Product report released recently.

According to the Balance of Payment statistics of Central Bank of Sri Lanka, export earnings increased to Rs343,058 million in the second quarter of 2014, from Rs291,274 million in the second quarter 2013, indicating a growth of 17.8 per cent, said the Census and Statistics Department.

Bangladesh announces speedier trade pact in the offing

Daily FT - 13/11/2014

Good news, prefer an FTA: Rishad
Talks will conclude successfully: Ashan
YoY bilateral trade jumps by 67%

Minister of Industry and Commerce Tarik Ashan (third from left) greets Bangladeshi High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Tarik Ashan (second from left) yesterday in Colombo as Bangladeshi High Commission Colombo Counsellor and HOC F.M. Borhan Uddin (far left), Ministry of Industry and Commerce Secretary Anura Siriwardene(third from right), DoC DG R.D.S. Kumararatne (second from right) and EDB Chairman/CEO Bandula Egodage (far right) look on

As bilateral trade with Bangladesh showed a strong rise, the country has signalled that it has now started moving towards the historic trade pact with Sri Lanka, as revealed yesterday in Colombo, and Bangladesh wants the agreement to be signed fast.

“At my final meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina just before my departure to Colombo, she advised me to focus strongly on trade during my new tenure in Sri Lanka. I am pleased to inform you that the trade agreement under discussion between both countries at present will come to a successful end,” announced the newly-appointed Bangladeshi High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Tarik Ashan yesterday.

Ornamental fish featuring notably in 14 percent export growth

The Island - 10/11/2014
By Ifham Nizam

Sri Lanka has earned USD 7.34 billion from exports up to August this year, recording a positive growth of 14 per cent when compared to the corresponding period in 2013, said Sri Lanka Export Development Board Chairman cum Chief Executive Officer Bandula Egodage.

Addressing a gathering at the First International Ornamental Fish Trade Conference in Colombo yesterday he said despite many constraints and challenges faced by local exports domestically and internationally, the willingness shown by them to sustain continuous growth was commendable.

Rubber industry can grow bigger than garments

Daily FT - 10/11/2014

Potential to become a 10 billion dollar business: Prabhash Subasinghe

Global Rubber Industries Managing Director Prabhash Subasinghe receiving the Platinum Sponsor award from Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa at the recently concluded Global Rubber Conference

The rubber industry in Sri Lanka has the potential to grow bigger than the garment industry. “Unfortunately, foreign investors have not seen the possibility of this factor,” says Global Rubber Industries Ltd (GRI) Managing Director Prabhash Subasinghe.

According to GRI, a leading industrial solid tyre manufacturer based in Sri Lanka; supplying solid tyres to Original Equipment (OE) manufacturers and replacement markets in more than 45 countries worldwide since 2001; Sri Lanka is the world’s largest producer of high-quality solid tyres, dominating about 60% of the global market.

Trade renewal in offing with largest Nepali biz visit in a decade

Daily FT - 03/11/2014

‘Time for air links, new trade’: Nepal’s Dhakwa
‘Sending two teams’: EDB’s Egodage
Bilateral trade at $ 5 m
‘Come to us & get Indo, Thai markets’: Nepal’s Dhakwa

TEPC Member of Board of Directors and the leader of the visiting Nepali delegation Bikash R. Dhakwa (third from right) gifts a copper and gold dust plated Shakyamuni Buddha statue crafted by Nepali artisans to EDB Chairman and CEO Bandula Egodage on 29 October in Colombo

As Lanka-Nepal trade leaped by threefold and showed new signs of revival, the biggest Nepali business delegation to Sri Lanka after almost a decade concluded their visit successfully on 2 November and also gave an unprecedented opening for the country’s artisans to enter two of the highly profitable craft markets in the region through Nepal and Sri Lanka’s creative artisans have been invited to November’s International Fair in Kathmandu.

“Sri Lanka and Nepal have historic relations and now is the time to go to the next step; towards stronger bilateral trade. The main reason we are coming to Sri Lanka is that you have very good gem processing technology – also we need your natural precious stones,” announced Trade and Export Promotion Center (TEPC) Member of Board of Directors and the leader of the visiting Nepali delegation Bikash R. Dhakwa on 29 October in Colombo.

Two Lankans clinch global rubber glory

Daily FT - 30/10/2014

Prof. Attanayaka and Lalan’s Hapangama win top awards at Global Rubber Conference

Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen hands over the GRC Wickham Award 2014 to Chairman, Lalan Rubbers Lalith Hapangama (left) and DPSTG Attanayaka (who collected on behalf of the winner Prof. DPSTG Attanayaka) on 28 October in Colombo. Chairman and CEO of EDB Bandula Egodage and Chairman Confexhub Sdn Bhd, Malaysia, Dr. Abdul Aziz (far right) were also present

Two Sri Lankans won GRC Wickham awards at the Global Rubber Conference 2014 (GRC) held at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel on 28 October.

“At the next Global Rubber Conference, the knowledge received at today’s sessions should be reflected and evaluated. In such a background it is important for us to continuously review developments in all the closely related aspects and industries including the global economy and currencies as well,” said Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen said while speaking at the conference.

Sri Lanka attends ICC Conference on Global Economic recovery in Dhaka

Asian Tribune - 31/10/2014

The Export Development Board of Sri Lanka led a trade delegation from Sri Lanka to participate at the International Chamber of Commerce Conference on Global Economic Recovery which was held in Dhaka on 25-26th October 2014.

On the sidelines of the Conference, nine Sri Lankan companies included in the delegation participated in two Business Match-Making sessions with the members of the Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) at two events on 27th October. The participating companies represented printed packaging products, garment and textile accessories, IT and education, food processing and electric cable sectors. The delegation also met with the senior officials of the Board of Investment of Bangladesh and Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association.

Global Rubber Conference 2014 kicks off in Colombo

Daily FT - 29/10/2014

The local rubber industry received much emphasis yesterday with the Global Rubber Conference (GRC) 2014 kicking off in Colombo.

The four-day event, which started on 27 October, is taking place for the fourth consecutive year.
The GRC is recognised to be one of the world’s leading conferences on natural rubber and NR-based products and is held on an annual basis rotating in different rubber-producing countries.

Organised by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB) and Confexhub with the support from the Ministry of Plantation Industries and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the event saw about 250 delegates from over 25 countries come together to discuss and get updated on the pertinent issues affecting the global rubber industry.

Sri Lanka has an impressive record in planting, production & export of rubber – President

Asian Tribune - 28/10/2014

Sri Lanka has an impressive record in the planting, production and export of rubber which is today the third largest sector to the country’s economy, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Rubber is an important part of the country’s plantation sector and its contribution to agro-industry provides gainful employment to more than 300,000 persons making it a mainstay in the socio-economic aspects of the country, he added.

Sri Lankan Rubber and Rubber products have today earned worthy recognition for good quality and reliability in the international market, he stated.

Lanka’s top global FDI partner in yet another $ 1 b rollout

Daily FT - 28/10/2014

Malaysia places Lankan SMEs as top priority
Going up to $ 1 b: – Delegation Lead Abdullah
Great news for our SMEs: Rishad
We are moving to SA via Lanka: SME Factors’ Al Qudsy
Lanka-Malaysia trade at $ 577 m

Sri Lanka’s largest global FDI partner Malaysia is mulling a new wave of incremental FDI totalling $ 1 b with an emphasis on SMEs.
It will become one of the largest-ever Private Public Partnership (PPP) ventures in Sri Lankan SMEs and the entry of biggest SME financier in Malaysia to Sri Lanka is the first step in their South Asian leap.
“We are thinking of another $ 1 billion portfolio in Sri Lanka in addition to the current investment portfolio here by EXIM Bank of Malaysia. SMEs are the priority sector in this new $ 1 b rollout while other sectors are also being mapped,” said Syed Zed Al Qudsy, President of SME Factors, Jalan, Malaysia on 15 October, addressing Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen at the EDB Building in Colombo.

Jaffna IT Week to take IT/BPM sector north

Daily FT - 25/10/2014
By David Stephens

SLASSCOM Vice Chairman and Jaffna IT Week Convener Mano Sekaram addressing the media last evening. Also present from left: SLASSCOM Executive Director Dharshan Cooray, Emeritus Chairman Madu Ratnayake, SLEDB Chairman/CEO Bandula Egodage, ICTA CEO Reshan Dewapura and University of Jaffna Senior Lecturer Dr. A. Ramanan

The National IT/BPM Chamber, Sri Lanka Association for Software and Services Companies (SLASSCOM), in an effort to promote inclusive growth and reconciliation, will stage the Jaffna IT Week from 3-6 December at a number of venues across the region.

The Jaffna IT Week will comprise the Future Careers Program on 3 and 4 December at the Vembadi Girls’ High School, an IT/BPM Export Forum staged at the Tilko City Hotel on 5 December and the Jaffna IT Conference, which will be held at the Kailasapathy Auditorium of the University of Jaffna on 6 December.

Sri Lanka represented at the largest SME Fair in the Asia Pacific region in Guangzhou

news.lk - 21/10/2014

Sri Lanka participated for the first time at the 11th edition of the China International SME Fair (CISMEF) in Guangzhou from 11 to 14 October 2014. The Sri Lanka Pavilion was jointly organized by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Guangzhou and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board and had strong representation from business leaders of the SME sector, showcasing premium products from thrust export sectors such as gems and jewellery, tea and spices, handicrafts, handlooms and ayurvedic products.
Mrs. Sujatha Weerakoon, Director General of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, speaking at the opening of the Sri Lanka Pavilion pointed out that the Government’s numerous trade facilitation initiatives and President Xi Jinping’s recent State Visit to Sri Lanka have created new opportunities for even closer cooperation between Sri Lanka and China, particularly in trade and urged Sri Lanka companies present to maximize the opportunity to enter the attractive Chinese market.

First-ever on-water Boat Show a success

Daily FT - 18/10/2014

2013 boat exports surge by 46%
Buyers and exhibitors from Korea, Maldives, Seychelles
Improved standards: Minister Senaratne
Value-added business: EDB’s Egodage

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa (second from left), Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Rajitha Senaratne (third from left) and EDB Chairman/CEO Bandula Egodage at Boatshow 2014 on 10 October at Dickowita Harbour, Wattala

Colombo’s latest international boat show, which featured an on-water boat display for the first time, concluded successfully after a three-day run on 12 October.

“We have been talking about five hubs. Today there are two major milestones taking place at this event – the promotion of the maritime hub as well as our tourism,” said EDB Chairman and CEO Bandula Egodage, addressing the inauguration event of Boatshow 2014 on 10 October at Dickowita Harbour, Wattala.

Sri Lankan ICT companies at GITEX 2014 in Dubai

Daily FT/ 16/10/2014

Six Sri Lankan ICT companies, Brandix I3 Ltd., hSenid Software International, Microimage Ltd., Negete Ltd., Pyxle Ltd. and AP Lanka Ltd. are exhibiting their software products and services at ‘GITEX Technology Week’ from 12 to 16 October at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) organised the country pavilion in coordination with the Sri Lanka Consulate General in Dubai.

US-SL trade talks conclude in Colombo

Daily FT - 16/10/2014

GSP, labour, trade promotion among discussed items
SL-US biz relationship at $ 3 b: Trade Rep Delaney
US Ex-Im Bank renewing ties with Lanka: Rishad
US biz team also in town, US-SL Biz Forum today
YoY SL-US trade up by 21% to $2.8b

Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen (third from left) addresses the 11th Joint Council Meeting under the US-Sri Lanka Trade and Investment Framework Agreement joined by SL Embassy in Washington DC Minister Counsellor Bandula Somasiri (far right), Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the US Prasad Kariyawasam (second from right), Ministry of Industry and Commerce Secretary Anura Siriwardena (fourth from right), DoC DG R.D.S. Kumararatne (fifth from right) and MoIC Additional Secretary Sheita Senaratne (sixth from right) and Minister (Commercial) at Lanka Embassy in US Bandula Somasiri (right)

Talks under the Sri Lanka and US Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) concluded yesterday in Colombo, reiterating the commitment to foster greater bilateral economic engagement.
“The US-Sri Lanka Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) is the premier dialogue for managing bilateral trade and investment relationship between both countries. This relationship amounts to $ 3 b” said Michael Delaney, the visiting Assistant United States Trade Representative for Central and South Asia yesterday in Colombo.

Delaney, who is leading a 10-member official delegation to Sri Lanka, was addressing the 11th Joint Council Meeting (JCM) under the US-Sri Lanka Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) at the Taj Samudra, Colombo.

Sri Lanka Pavilion at Gardex / IFEX 2014 on Oct. 15-17 in Japan

news.lk - 15/10/2014

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Embassy in Tokyo, Japan, has organized a Sri Lanka Pavilion at the Gardex / IFEX 2014 International Garden Exhibition from October 15 to 17 in Japan.

Eight (08) leading Sri Lankan exporting companies from Coconut Based Substrate and a leading Foliage and Live Plants exporter exhibits at this event.

56% of export target achieved: Rishad

Daily FT - 08/10/2014

Jan-Aug exports bring Lanka closer to ’14 target

With latest January-August export totals, Sri Lanka has clinched 56% of annual export target for 2014 while the spice sector has returned, as revealed on 3 October. Meanwhile, the spice industry is full of praise for the Government for the assistance lent to the sector’s development.

“By end of this August we have already achieved 56% of our annual national export target for year 2013. Thanks to you, the committed spice and other product exporters, we are able to move towards our overall $ 20 b target now,” said Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen on 3 October in Colombo.
Bathiudeen was addressing the 11th Annual General Meeting of The Spice Council (TSC) at the Taj Samudra Hotel. Also present on the occasion were Minister of Minor Export Crop Promotion Reginald Cooray, DoC DG R.D.S. Kumararatne, EDB DG Sujatha Weerakoone, The Spice Council Chairman Nanda Kohona, founder Chairman of the Spice Council of Sri Lanka Sarada De Silva, top officials of EDB and many leading members of Sri Lanka’s spice industry.

Boat Show 2014 to take centre stage in October

Daily News - 06/10/2014
By Indunil Hewage

South Asia’s premier boat show and fisheries exhibition, ‘Boat Show 2014’ organized by Boat Building Technology Improvement Institute (BTI), Sri Lanka Export Development Board and Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services will take centre stage from October 10-12, 2014 at the Dickowita Fisheries Harbour under the theme ‘Promotion of Leisure Boating in Sri Lanka’

The main objective of the event is to attract buyers from all corners of the globe, while positioning Sri Lanka as the hub for the industry in South Asia and to develop a forum between buyers and sellers to facilitate industry growth.

Matching global construction standards vital for country’s progress: Rishad

Daily FT - 04/10/2014

Six construction exhibitions open at BMICH
Sub-sector grows by 14.4%
Construction sector 7.3% of GDP

Sri Lanka’s surging construction sector is not only an indicator of economic health, but also an integrator of an important economic layer, meaning that following international standards in the construction sector could help the country’s ‘Hub Status’ journey, Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen said yesterday.

“The construction sector claims only 7.3% of our GDP. However, the sector is much more important than these numbers would indicate. There is a strong SME presence in this sub-sector,” the minister expressed.
Minister Bathiudeen was addressing the inauguration ceremony of the International Exhibition on Windows and Doors, Aluminium Extrusion, Roofing and Façade, Glass and the 2nd International Exhibition on Sri Lanka Wood at BMICH.

Russia opens seafood market for Lankans

Daily News - 03/10/2014

Sri Lankan seafood exporters have been invited by Russia to export to the country giving a major boost to the industry.

Russia's Ambassador to Sri Lanka Alexendra Karchava speaking at the Russia Sri Lanka Business Council AGM and a meeting with Sri Lankan seafood exporters said in current political and economic context, Russia is seeking to diversify its food items market and reorient it from European countries by reaching towards new suppliers in new regions, particularly, in Asia.

Top corporates in Lanka’s first industrial energy push

Daily FT - 29/09/2014

11 top Lankan manufacturers in pilot project
‘Round one a success, mulling second!’: Rishad
‘Slowly getting-off from oil powered energy’: CEB’s Prof. Perera

Several top Lankan manufacturing firms have been enlisted in the first ever industrial energy initiative as announced on 25 September. As a result of the success, a second manufacturing energy initiative is now being mulled. And, Ceylon Electricity Board is slowly ‘getting off’ from expensive oil powered generation!

Minister of Industry and Commerce of Sri Lanka Rishad Bathiudeen (third from left) inaugurates 12th POWER Sri Lanka 2014 International Expo at Sri Lanka Exhibition and Conventions Centre, Colombo joined by (from left): CEMS Sri Lanka CEO Sarwar, Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau Chairman Nihal Rupasinghe, CEMS Global Asia Pacific Group CEO S.S. Sarwar, EDB Chairman & CEO Bandula Egodage and Ceylon Electricity Board Vice Chairman Professor Kapila Perera on 25 September

Jan-August exports up by 14%’-Rishad

Asian Tribune - 26/09/2014

Rishad Bathiudeen (Minister of Industry and Commerce of Sri Lanka-second from left) prepares to address the Fifth National Exporters Forum held at EDB on 25 September as Anura Siriwardene (Secretary, Ministry of Industry and Commerce-far left), Bandula Egodage (Chairman & CEO-EDB-third from left), Sujatha Weerakoone (DG-EDB-far right) look on.

Sri Lanka’s January-August exports have surged by a strong 14%, as announced on 25 September. And more than 110 exporters and Chamber reps have thronged the fifth national Exporters’ Forum in Colombo.

“I am pleased to say that according to the latest provisional data by EDB, January to August 2014 exports have increased by a strong 14.03% to $ 7.34 Bn. As committed exporters, it is your valuable efforts that can help us, to move our target, of $ 20 Billion exports, by 2020, under the committed vision, of HE the President Mahinda Rajapaksa” said a satisfied Rishad Bathiudeen (Minister of Industry and Commerce of Sri Lanka) on 25 September.

Sri Lanka showcases SME drive at UN’s Export Forum

Daily FT - 25/09/2014

EDB takes part in WEDF 2014 in Kigali!
Our brands competing with global brands: EDB’s Egodage
WEDF 2014 learns of Lankan SME initiatives

A well-known Sri Lankan tea brand received the keen attention of global export experts at the UN’s latest 2014 World Export Development Forum in Rwanda, while the role of Sri Lanka’s apex export body, the EDB, in enhancing SME exports was also revealed to global experts.
“Several Lankan brands play an important part in Sri Lanka’s exports success. Some Lankan brands have been able to compete against larger brands from multinational companies,” said EDB Chairman and CEO Bandula Egodage, taking part in the World Export Development Forum (WEDF) on 16 September in Kigali, Rwanda.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 starts first ever medical tourism push

Daily News - 15-09-2014

“Professional service exports present a tremendous opportunity and can speed up government’s ‘$20B exports by 2020’ goal. Medical Tourism is one of the most promising sub-sectors in this. We are ready to work with any and all stakeholders to get this off the ground” said Director General, EDB, Sujatha Weerakoone addressing the kick-off session of EDB’s 2015-20 National Masterplan Initiative on Medical Tourism held at EDB last week.

The pioneering session saw top reps from Hemas Hospitals, Asiri Group of Hospitals, Lanka Hospitals, Durdans Hospital, Nawaloka Hospitals PLC, the Health Ministry as well as M.K.S.K Maldeniya (ICT Sector Director-EDB) joining the session. The private sector reps also represent Sri Lanka’s Private

Hospital Association (PHA).