NPO helps exporters to find markets 

The Trade Facilitation Office of Canada (TFOC) a non profit organisation in Canada supports exporters in third world countries to find buyers and markets in Canada, said Chief Executive Officer Canada Wide Migration and Settlement Inc, Nalaka Weerasinghe.

Nalaka Weerasinghe

This is a great opportunity for SMEs in Sri Lanka. According to trade statistics earlier Sri Lanka exported more goods to Canada compared to Pakistan, India and Bangladesh, but today the trend has reversed. “We can reach the earlier levels as the products from Sri Lanka are on par with any product in the world,” said optimistic Weerasinghe.

He said that TFOC organises exhibitions in which Sri Lankans can participate. When they organise exhibitions many people including buyers and sellers as well as visitors come.

Website is www.tfocanada.ca He said rubber based products such as medical gloves, handicraft, tea and jewellery have a very high demand in Canada. Speaking of the government initiative to attract the Sri Lankan diaspora to invest in the country he said that there should be an attractive package then the target of Rs 500 mln is within reach. Weerasinghe said that a delegation visiting a country and making presentations will not help as they don’t have an idea of the potential investors. Initially the country should find people with the right contacts in each country and find out the people who have the money to invest. This will help the country to reach the target in double quick time.

He said that there is a high demand for skilled jobs such as masons, carpenters, electricians and plumbers who can speak and understand English. He said that if children after the Advanced Level examination follow a diploma in one of the above mentioned skills at a vocational training institute together with a diploma in English it will pave the way for a work visa in Canada.

He said that one year of experience is sufficient to apply for a visa. After sometime they can apply for a permanent visa.

He said this will help solve the problem of unemployment and earn the much needed foreign exchange to the country.

Weerasinghe who is also the treasurer of Canada-Sri Lanka Business Council said business people who are looking for a market in Canada can contact the council for any information regarding doing business in Canada.(SG)