Apparel exports top US$ 4.3 bn in 2013

Daily News - 31/01/2014
By Diresh Jayasuriya

Apparel exports in 2013 have reached an all time record of US$ 4.3 billion compared with US$ 3.8 billion in 2012," said Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) acting Chairman Noel Priyatilleke.

Speaking at the JAFF 10th Annual General Meeting he said that nevertheless, the challenge ahead of us is not only to sustain this business but also to grow because the Government expects Sri Lankan apparel, tea and rubber to fetch a turnover of US$ 10 billion by 2016 and Sri Lankan apparel has also to be among the first ten apparel exporter countriesof the world by 2020.

The time has come for us to explore all possible avenues to reach this target and I do believe that Sri Lankan apparel can achieve it, because of the visionary leadership given by the stalwarts of our industry coupled with the business friendly environment created by our Government. Let us get together to perform this task.

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Biz delegation from Hong Kong to visit SL in April

Lanka Business Today - 25/01/2014

In a new breakthrough after a year from the first ever successful Hong Kong-Sri Lanka biz MoU in 2013, some Hong Kong based manufacturers are now looking to move factories to Sri Lanka and a high powered biz delegation from HK is now scheduled to arrive in early April.

”The first ever business development MoU between Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Export Development Board (EDB) was a tremendous success and some Hong Kong based manufacturers are looking to move factories to Sri Lanka. A delegation led by none other than the Deputy Executive Director of HKTDC Ms Margaret Fong is scheduled to arrive in early April for the next level in this process. Some HK manufacturers have already expressed interest to set up production in Sri Lanka, especially in garment and food, as well as handicraft and sunshine industries. Tentatively, there will be 20 delegates from 15 companies in the forthcoming delegation. We are also helping some Sri Lankan exporters to find HK markets and importers,” said Sunny Chau, Regional Manager, HKTDC Southeast Asia and India, on January 21 in Colombo.

More than 800,000 metric tons of fruits, veggies by Lanka

The Island - 24/01/2014 
By Don Asoka Wijewardena

Sri Lanka produces more than 800,000 metric tons of fresh fruit and vegetables annually while around 90 per cent of her processed food is being exported to the European Union market.

In addition, Sri Lanka is utilizing improved techniques in crop cultivation, especially under poly tunnels. Optimum input application, pest and disease control, post-harvest management and quality packaging are other features of our food production sector, Export Development Board Directoress Jeevani Siriwardena said.She was addressing joint talks between Maldives and Sri Lankan business delegations earlier this week.

Exports surge by 6.2% in 2013

The Island - 23/01/2014

Rishad Bathiudeen Minister of Industry and Commerce- (right) and Bandula Egodage Chairman-EDB, (left) upbeat on latest good news.

Sri Lanka’s exports, which suffered a YoY decline of 7% in 2012, returned with a bang in 2013 posting a 6.2% surge. "I and EDB thank our exporters for their commitment for this strong performance" a Ministry of Industry and Commerce press release quoted Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen as saying.

The release adds: ‘Minister Bathiudeen was acknowledging the latest provisional annual export performance numbers briefed to him by his officials on January 22 in Colombo.

‘According to the latest provisional figures by the EDB, 2013 cumulative exports earnings stood at $ 10379.94 Mn, growing by 6.2% from 2012’s annual export revenues of $ 9773.63 Mn.

Lanka coir now used by Mercedes Benz -EDB

The Island - 23/01/2014

Sri Lankan coir has grabbed the attention of a leading global automotive firm. "I am happy to say that our coir is now used by Mercedes Benz. This is the first time we learn that our coir have gone to such high levels" said a pleased Sujatha Weerakoone, Director General of EDB on January 22.

EDB Director General Weerakoone was addressing "Exporting to Korea" event, organised and held at the EDB. The session was honoured by a 16 member strong South Korean undergrad delegation led by Prof. Bell C.J. Park of Myongji University, South Korea, who made a presentation. Also in attendance were more than 100 reps from various Sri Lankan exporters.

Korean University Students on Sri Lanka Tour

Asian Tribune - 23/01/2014

Myongji University in Korea in collaboration with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Korea, will be sending a student delegation to Sri Lanka from 20th – 27th January, 2014.

The delegation consists of Professor Bell J.C. Park, a faculty member of the International Trade Department of the Business Administration College at Myognji University, and 15 university students whose major interest is international trade business.