Landmark Fair :

Jaffna on world investment map

by Shirajiv SIRIMANE

Over 175 local and international investors will attend the inaugural Jaffna International Trade Fair 2010 (JITF) from April 18 to 20, at the Jaffna Central College.

This is the first major International Trade Fair that is being hosted in Jaffna after thirty years.

Director, Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services (Pvt) Ltd, Imran Hassin who is organising the event said that they are surprised with the response they received from companies for the event. “It took less than 45 days to sell all the 175 stalls and it’s a unique record,” he said.

The event is being organised in collaboration with the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka and the main sponsor is Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel.

He said that this landmark fair is being organised to put Jaffna on the world investment map and tell the world that Yalpanam is now open for international business once again.

“In addition we also want the native entrepreneur to find partners through this exhibition so that they could kick start their own ventures with a partner,” he said.

In addition the exhibition would also bring in local and foreign machinery suppliers enabling the local entrepreneur to add a touch of new technology to their products.

The products on display would include building, construction and interior materials, processed food and agriculture, food and beverage products, 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, stationery and many other items.

Over 25 Indian companies too are showcasing their products especially in the agricultural, canning and packaging industry.

He said the exhibition will also open a link to the Southern businessmen to form a link with the Northerner which was lapsing for over 25 years.

Over 30,000 are expected to attend the event and we have also organised musical evenings to entertain the Jaffna public,” he said.

The FCCISL is also organising a seminar on how new business ventures should be started and how to improve existing businesses.

Imran also said that they received tremendous support from the government which encourages them to conduct similar events in the future as well.

The event ‘Your gateway to Yalpanam’ supported by the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau is also the first MICE (Meeting Incentives, Conference and Exhibition) event that is being held in Jaffna.

High Commissioner of India, Shri Ashok Kantha will be the chief guest at the event.