Lanka's exports to China increase

Sri Lanka's exports to China increased significantly during the last two years, from US$ 59 million to US$ 80 million, said Industry and Trade Minister Rishad Bathiudeen.

The most important feature of this development is that Sri Lanka has become one of the eight countries out of 80 to ensure a substantial increase of exports to China, he said.

Sri Lanka has prioritised gems and jewellery, tea, rubber, coir and garments in its export drive while attention will also be paid to the Small and Medium Enterprises sector to improve exports, the Minister said.

One third of Sri Lanka's total coir exports had been to China in 2009 according to the Export Development Board (EDB). There is high demand for Sri Lankan coir in China, a spokesman for the EDB said.

Sri Lanka will attend an International Business Forum in China's Yunan Province from June 5 to 10, the Minister said.

He said that the forth coming Kunming International Trade Fair and Business Forum in the Yunan Province would be of vital importance to Sri Lanka to explore more export avenues to China.

In this connection, a special committee of officials representing the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, Department of Commerce, National Jem and Jewellery Authority Sri Lanka Tourism Board and representatives from leading trade chambers have been appointed by the Minister.

The Department of Commerce together with Sri Lanka's Embassy in China will coordinate the functions of the trade fair, the Minister said. - LSAW