Focus on trade and commerce in Asia

by Mohammed Naalir

More attention will be paid on Asian countries in enhancing the trade and commerce sectors as these countries are becoming economically viable, Industries and Commerce Minister Rishad Badiudeen told the Sunday Observer .He said the Export Development Board is exploring the possibility of exporting Sri Lankan products to other countries.

Accordingly, the Export Development Board has focused on exports to Europe, America, the Middle East, Africa and Commonwealth.

Minister Badiudeen said that Sri Lanka receives 40 percent of its export income from Europe and 23 percent from America.

Sri Lanka exports around 93 percent of its apparel products to these countries.

The Export Development Board aims at expanding the export market to the countries such as India, China and Indonesia in addition to its regular markets.

Several development projects have been launched in the country under the 2009 Budget, such as setting up an agricultural zone, turmeric, garlic and pineapple cultivation in the Eastern Province. An ornamental fish breeding project in Polonnaruwa, horticulture and leaf cultivation in the North Western Province, Cool room facilities in the Southern Province and improving the standard of cinnamon products will be geared for export.

Minister Badiudeen said that an exhibition will be held of these export products next year. Meanwhile a team led by Export Development Board Chairman including top rank officials visited the Vavuniya and Mannar Districts recently to conduct a feasibility study on cultivating export crops in these Districts.