Exports in Sri Lanka

Colombo hosts historic Lanka-Belarus trade talks

Daily FT - 11/07/2014

The first-ever Sri Lanka-Belarus official trade talks commenced in Colombo yesterday amidst avowed assertions from both sides towards forging sustainable trade links while making inroads to the huge ‘New Asian’ and upcoming Eurasian Union markets. The first Colombo talks have now paved the way for a prospective future visit of the President of Belarus to Sri Lanka.
“I am pleased to note that Belarus is Sri Lanka’s first gateway to the promising EEU new single market. Our Free Trade Agreements with Pakistan and India have opened gateways to a South Asian market of 1.2 billion. Equally important is Sri Lanka’s forthcoming FTA with China. Therefore, we invite you to partner with Sri Lanka and take advantage of the new Asian opportunity,” said Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen on 9 July in Colombo.

First ever Lanka-Belarus bilateral trade meeting begins today

news.lk - 09/07/2014

First ever bilateral trade meet between Sri Lanka and a key member of upcoming Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) starts tomorrow 09 July in Colombo. “Our newest trade effort with Balarus strengthens the historic relations and more importantly, gives us direct access to the world’s newest single economic market” said Rishad Bathiudeen (Minister of Industry and Commerce of Sri Lanka) onTuesday (08).

Minister Bathiudeen was in discussions with his officials on the first ever Sri Lanka-Belarus Joint Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation to be held in Colombo on 9-10 July with the participation of Valentin B. Rybakov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Belarus. Deputy Minister Rybakov arrived in Sri Lanka Tuesday (08) leading a 20 member strong official delegation of the Government of Belarus, for this historic trade meeting.

Sri Lanka biz forum in Israel a success

Daily FT - 07/07/2014

A successful business forum from Sri Lanka consisting of 40 business leaders led by Deputy Minister of External Affairs, Sri Lanka Neomal Perera, who himself is a business leader completed a successful forum interacting with business leaders, L.R. Group, Sri Lanka-Asia Chamber of Commerce and the community on various aspects including tourism, hi-tech, water, energy, medical, apparel, employment, agriculture, greenhouse cultivation, dairy, fish, flowers, diamonds, gems, jewellery, rubber, education and other topics suggested by prospective delegates.

Sri Lanka takes first step aiming $20B Export target by 2020

news.lk - 07/07/2014

Sri Lanka in a bid to achieve its $ 20 B export target by 2020, handed over on July 01, the task of producing an initial way forward blueprint by August to an international consultancy firm.

“Today we are launching the first step of EDB’s Strategic Plan creation which aims to achieve $ 20 Bn by 2020. Hilmy’s enormous experience and expertise will definitely enhance the total process of EDB in a positive way” said Bandula Egodage (Chairman/CEO, EDB) addressing the session on July 01.. He further said, " We also thank VEGA USAID for the contribution towards this initiative. We all know that our national target is $ 20 Bn by 2020 but there is a big mismatch-our current export strategic plan ends in 2015 and there is a strategy gap from 2015-2020; We are launching today’s initiative to bridge this gap and draw the plan till 2020 to complete this in a professional and a focused way.”

Hashemite Kingdom renews trade, wants to re-activate JC right away

Asian Tribune - 02/07/2014

Ambassador Hassan Al Jawarneh (Delhi based Ambassador of Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to Sri Lanka-left) meets Rishad Bathiudeen (Minister of Industry and Commerce of Sri Lanka) on 01 July in Colombo.

The Hashemite Kingdom wants to renew its trade with Sri Lanka-with no less than a Joint Commission meet at its end. “Let us now get really practical. It is time to activate 2007 Agreement and start vigorous bilateral trade. We are open to all suggestions from Sri Lanka” said a keen Ambassador Hassan Al Jawarneh (Delhi based Ambassador of Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to Sri Lanka) on 01 July in Colombo.

The EDB recently held a workshop in Batticaloa to introduce the Fair Trade Concept to the Craft sector in the Eastern Province. The workshop was attended by around 40 participants representing giftware, lifestyle and handloom products. The workshop was conducted by Mr. Paul Myers, Expert on Fair Trade from U.S.A and there was a lot of interest shown by the companies /individuals present.

‘Lanka handlooms special’-Int’l Design Expert

Asian Tribune - 01/07/2014

Jennifer Shellard (Visiting British design expert-left), Bandula Egodage (Chairman/CEO-EDB, at centre) and Sujatha Weerakoone (DG-EDB-right) at “Design Development for Sri Lanka’s Handlooms” session by EDB on 30 June in Colombo.

Just as the US demand for Lankan handlooms surged, an international design expert called on 30 June the country to further strengthen its design and promotion capacities-and Sri Lanka’s handloom designs continue to have a special identity.

“Sri Lanka has been known for its handloom textiles. Sri Lanka, rather than moving into fast fashion handloom cycles, can elevate its special handlooms brand by building competence and international promotion efforts” said Jennifer Shellard (Visiting Lecturer, Woven Textile Department of London’s University of Creative Arts) on 30 June in Colombo.