ICA to host 16th Congress in Sri Lanka

The International Colored Gem Stones Congress(ICA), the sole global think-tank which serves to benefit the colored gemstone industries have chosen Sri Lanka as its host country for its 16th congress to be held in May 16th - 19th, 2015 in Colombo at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel.

This is the second time that Sri Lanka will be hosting the prestigious ICA event which prides itself for uniting various segments of the colored gem trade. The theme for the event is `Sapphire and MORE`. A `Facets Congress Gem Show` will also be held from May 15th to 18th at same venue.

Spice exports up 40% in 2013

Sunday Observer - 07/09/2014

Sri Lanka's spice exports rose 40 percent to $329 million in 2013 from $ 236 million in 2012. Spice export revenue was US$ 115 million in 2009, Export Development Board EDB statistics revealed.

As Sri Lanka's spice exports leaped by 40%, a new program was launched by the EDB last week to boost exports of the perennial crop. Meanwhile, a leading packaging consultant said that the Sri Lankan export packaging sector is now maturing with more ‘high barrier package’ visibility.

“The key factor is how to market our spices. Our spices are traditionally exported in bulk form. Sri Lanka now encourages value added exports and discourages raw exports.

Lanka-China FTA electrifies $8B global apparel giant to action

Asian Tribune - 06/09/2014

Mark Green (Executive Vice President of Global Supply Chain of New York’s PVH Corporation-left) meets Rishad Bathiudeen (Minister of Industry and Commerce of Sri Lanka-right) in Colombo on 14 August.

The forthcoming Lanka-China FTA has electrified no less than a $8B global apparel giant who is also the world’s largest shirt maker. “We are very excited about the forthcoming Lanka-China FTA; having duty free market access to China is very important for us as an apparel sourcing firm and the benefits are great.

This is even more important for us since we have considerable income from Asia-30% of our turnover from Calvin Klein brand alone originates from Asia!” said Mark Green, the Executive Vice President of Global Supply Chain of New York’s PVH Corporation on 14 August in Colombo.

Lanka export acceleration push begins

Asian Tribune - 08/09/2004

Rishad Bathiudeen (Minister of Industry and Commerce-second from left) briefs Anton Said (Chief of Export Strategy, ITC-second from right) about Sri Lanka’s export landscape on 13 August in Colombo as Anura Siriwardene (Secretary-Ministry of Industry and Commerce-far left) Bandula Egodage (Chairman & CEO, EDB-third from left) and Pablo Lo Moro (Senior Advisor-Export Strategy, ITC-seated far right) look on.

Exports, being the lifeline of Sri Lankan economy, is a national priority. The urgency of exports accelerating strategy is such that it could kick-start even before its full design cycle is over. Meanwhile, Brand Sri Lanka packs hidden potentials that could be leveraged for national export growth.

“At the end of the day the buck lands at somebody’s desk. Who is ultimately responsible? We can start implementing the export acceleration strategy while it is being designed and before it’s totally finalised. We may not need to wait until it is fully endorsed” voiced a determined Anton Said (Chief of Export Strategy, ITC) on 13 August in Colombo.

Lanka vying for $3B rubber sector

Asian Tribune - 07-09-2014

Rishad Bathiudeen (Minister of Industry and Commerce of Sri Lanka–second from right) and HE Azmi Zainuddin (Malaysian High Commissioner to Colombo-second from left) join to inaugurate Global Rubber Conference 2014 (to be held in October in Colombo) on 28 August in Colombo as Dr Abdul Aziz (Secretary General of International Rubber Research & Development Board-far left) and Bandula Egodage (Chairman & CEO-EDB-far right) look on.

As the first ever Global Rubber Confab to be held in Sri Lanka is announced on 28 August, the country positioned its historic rubber industry to be a $ 3B sector. And a top global rubber body voiced that rubber prices would recover ‘before very long’.

“We are now aiming at an ambitious $3B rubber industry in the coming decade. To arrive at this $3B in a viable manner, it is essential for us to support our rubber farmers. I believe it is time for a long term development plan for this sector. The 2013 rubber exports of $960 Mn is a 100% increase compared to rubber exports five years ago” said a keen Rishad Bathiudeen (Minister of Industry and Commerce of Sri Lanka) on 29 August in Colombo.

Sri Lanka's bilateral trade with Israel surges 178% since trade pact in 2007

The Colombo Page - 08/09/2014

Sri Lanka's bilateral trade with Israel has surged by 178% since a trade pact signed in 2007, signaling even closer B2B links between the two countries, a press release issued by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce said.

"We have a history of bilateral trade and business cooperation with the State of Israel. This time we took about 40 leading businessmen to Israel from Sri Lanka and completed a successful Business Forum", Sarath Wijesinghe, Sri Lanka's Ambassador in Israel said Friday at a business review meeting in Colombo.

‘Our trade future looks good!’: Seychelles

Daily FT - 03/09/2014

• New air-connectivity boosts exports, transit travel: Seychelles
• 'Proposing first Lanka-Seychelles Jt. Committee!’: Rishad
• 'Accepted! You also get COMESA market!’: Minister Laporte

Enhanced trade cooperation cemented by a new Joint Trade Committee will open Sri Lanka’s anticipated trade volumes with Africa said Seychelles on 27 August. Lankan exports to Africa’s top blue economy as well as transit passenger volumes to Colombo is now on the increase as a result of recent air connectivity.

“The prospective Joint Trade Committee between Sri Lanka and Seychelles will be Sri Lanka’s platform for accessing the huge African market. Almost all the issues regarding quarantine of certain exports have now been resolved and all requirements met! As a result we are now receiving loads of more Lankan fresh fruits and vegetables than before,” said an upbeat Minister for Finance, Trade and Investment of Seychelles Pierre Laporte in Colombo.