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| Sunday, 12 December 2004 |
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US market prospects bright The US market is an import-friendly one and Sri Lanka has a very good opportunity provided it confirms to high quality standards. These comments were made by George Little Management (GLM) Representative Laurie Burns at a seminar on "Export opportunities to the USA," organised by the National Chamber of Exporters (NCE). GLM established in 1924 in the US by George F. little is the largest producer and marketer of consumer-product tradeshows in North America serving industries as diverse as giftware, stationery, textiles, tabletops, gourmet products, personal care items and fragrance. GLM produces 52 trade shows a year, but only six are targetted at exporters from other countries. They are the Sources, Sources LA, Home textile Show, Gourmet, Sanfrancisco International Gift show, and the California Gift show. In the USA gifts and decorative accessories are a $70 billion market and GLM shows are the gateway to the US market, Burns said. Ms Burns also said that 80 percent of the products used by Americans are imported and quality items are in high demand, so Americans don't mind paying a high price for quality products, she added. The Sources show was started in 2003 with 350 booths and 2000 buyers to which India sent 30 exhibitors initially and this year increased it to 50 while they will send 65 for the next show scheduled for 2005. Sources LA will be held in January 2006 in conjunction with the Gift show. The 22- year- old New York Home Textiles show is held twice a year before Spring and Fall. The show has everything from tissue box covers to fabrics by the metre. The sub show Ex-tracts exhibits fragrances,oils and other items. The New York Gourmet products show exhibits gourmet foods packaged as gifts. The SanFrancisco and California Gift shows are held twice a year and attract buyers from all states. President NCE kingsley Bernard addressing the gathering said that one strategy to overcome the problems faced by the loss of revenue due to MFA coming to an end is to find new items that can be exported. Taking part in trade fairs will help exporters get orders as well as new ideas. Director, Gospel House and local representative of GLM Modestus Karunaratne said that government has created an export-friendly environment which is an opportunity for exporters to participate in these shows and increase their exports by forging new partnerships. He said that even the small exporters have not been overlooked and they can participate at these fairs. But please select the correct fair and don't ever commit yourself to supplying a big order if you are not capable of doing so advised Karunaratne. SG |
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