JITF from July 15-17

by Sapumali GALAGODA

Jaffna International Trade Fair (JITF) 2011 themed open for business will be held from July 15-17, 2011 at the Duraiappa Stadium Jaffna. The Fair is organised for the second year by the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Sri Lanka (FCCISL), Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Yarlpanam supported by the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau.

The main objective of holding this fair is to strengthen and bridge trade links between the North and the rest of Sir Lanka. The trade fair will open doors for all sectors to come together and witness the restructuring taking place in the North.

JITF will build a platform for business relations. Jaffna is pursuing partnerships and business plans with the entire world and is expecting to dominate world trade in the future, said FCCISL Chairman Kosala Wickremanayake.

The trade fair invites a wide section of industries such as building construction, interiors, processed and agriculture food, packaging, machinery, cosmetic products, electrical appliances, fabrics and garments, gifts and toys, handicrafts, hardware and tools, health and hygiene, home appliances, sanitary ware and stationery.

This year a new feature will take place in the fair Adyapana Kalvi Jaffna an education and career exhibition. The organisers are planning to work together to hold investor forums to develop Jaffna.

Jaffna has a population of 600,000. Its per capita income is high as they set remittances from relatives who are living abroad. Their main income is from fisheries and agriculture. Tourism is growing.

JITF will help re-unite the business community. The previous year the JITF attracted 30,000 visitors including people from all industries, attracting 300 stalls from over 200 companies making it the first and largest exhibition hosted in Jaffna.

This year blue chip companies such as Diesel & Motor Engineering Plc and Ceylon Cold Stores have already extended their support as sponsors. The partner country is India and the silver sponsor is DIMO Technology.