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| Sunday, 26 December 2004 |
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Aid to promote small and medium enterprises by Chanuka Mannapperuma The Government will provide direct guarantee schemes, equity and debt capital and restructuring aid to promote Small and Medium Enterprises, pledged Minister of Advanced Technology and National Enterprise Development Rohitha Bogollagama. "We are aware of the significant contribution rendered by the SMEs for the development of country's national enterprises and to improve the export market." added Minister Bogollagama while addressing the opening ceremony of the Ruhunu Ran Ridee Jewellery Collection, an exhibition of southern jewellers. He explained that the government assistance will be provided to this sector including gem and jewellery manufacturers through the National Enterprises Development Bank (NEDB) which is to be set up shortly. Rural developments would effectively unlock the potential of local resources, accelerate public investment,develop infrastructure and boost the socio-economic levels, he said. Minister further added that Rohantha Athukorala has been appointed as the new Chairman of the EDB. At the exhibition, large scale jeweller W.D Wimalaratne who is the owner of Intimate Jewellers said, the government should extend more assistance to this sector."We always need government help as required a permanent export market as well as we need permanent place to sell our products.We also have a good demand for our products specially from foreigners. " EDB acting Director General M.U.B Basnayake said the EDB has realised the important role played by SMEs in developing the national economy."SMEs contribute around 50 - 60 per cent to the GNP(Gross National Products) in Sri Lanka.The EDB has allocated a special division to cater to this sector," he added. "Ruhunu Ran Ridee Jewellery Collection an exhibition" which was held at the Crescat Boulevard, Colombo for the third successive year ended on December 24. It was organised by the Export Development Board. |
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