International trade fair in Jaffna to woo investors

by Shirajiv SIRIMANE

With the intention of strengthening trade links between the North and the rest of Sri Lanka, 'Your gateway to Yalpanam', the Jaffna International Trade Fair 2010 (JITF) will be held form April 18 to 20 at the Jaffna Central College, Jaffna.

Indian exhibitors are also expected to participate in the trade fair while the organisers are also planning to work together to have investor fora to develop Jaffna.

Organised by Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services (Pvt) Ltd in collaboration with the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka the fair will display a range of products and services across a wide section of industries such as building, construction and interiors, processed food and agriculture, food and beverages, packaging, machinery, cosmetic and beauty products, electrical appliances, electronics, fabrics and garments, gifts and toys, glassware, handicrafts, hardware and tools, health and hygiene, home appliances, industrial products, sanitaryware and stationery.

The dawn of peace and the re-opening of the A 9 highway were the main reasons for the Fair to attract many exhibitors.

The Jaffna Education Fair is one of the leading trade fairs in Sri Lanka. The exhibition will be held between September 21-22 in Jaffna. The two day event will provide an ample opportunities for students.

Meanwhile, Government has called upon for entrepreneurs in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu to visit the war hit areas in the Mullaitivu district and identify their assets left during the conflict.

This is in response to an appeal made by the Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCISL), District Chambers in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu to the Governor of the Northern Province, Major General G. A. Chandrasiri.

Valuable assets of the traders in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu were left by them during the last phase of the battle and due to security concerns people were not given permission to reclaim them after the conflict. The Governor has ironed out security related issues and granted permission to the business community and traders to identify their assets.

The FCCISL Chamber delegation and members of Co-operative Societies that met the Governor were also granted permission to transport their trading stock, freely through Omanthai, adhering to security obligations. The restrictions to the business enterprises to operate their business activities along the eastern side of the A9 Road too were lifted.