FACETS 24th edition ends on a high note

Daily FT - 13/09/2014

The 24th edition of FACETS Sri Lanka 2014, the international gem and jewellery exhibition organised by the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA) ended in a high note. The event was very successful with over 150 stall holders including individual exhibitor pavilions from The National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) and an SME pavilion from the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB).
In addition, over 100 international buyer delegations attended the expo, across China, India, Myanmar, Dubai, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, USA, Russia and Germany. Stall holders from Singapore, Dubai, Myanmar, China and India also participated at the event.

EDB in new push for Japanese IT market

Daily FT - 13/09/2014

As Sri Lanka’s IT exports topped $ 719 m, a business journalist from world’s fourth largest selling newspaper was taken by surprise by the country’s inroads into one of the most demanding niche software markets in the world.
“I am really surprised by your ability in our platforms. This is news!” exclaimed Yuichi Kiriyama, business journalist of Japanese language Mainichi Shimbun, the world’s fourth largest selling newspaper.

Yuichi was addressing a special gathering of the software interest group for the Japanese market held on 5 September in Colombo facilitated by the EDB.

First ever business delegation from Finland due in December

Daily FT - 10/09/2014

Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen and Finland’s Roving Ambassador for Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka Rauli Suikkanen hold discussions in Colombo last week

The first-ever high level trade and business delegation to Sri Lanka from the world’s ICT leader is now mulled for early December.
“I have been able to encourage my Government to renew trade cooperation with Sri Lanka. I have been highly encouraged by the rapid development seen in Sri Lanka. The first-ever Finnish business and investment delegation is now being scheduled for the first week of December 2014,” announced Finland’s Roving Ambassador for Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka Rauli Suikkanen on 4 September in Colombo.

Suikkanen was addressing Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen during a courtesy call on Bathiudeen. Also present was EDB Chairman and CEO Bandula Egodage.

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.