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Despite ME crisis:
NCE chief commends export performance
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Sarath de Silva
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Despite the Middle East crisis, which has affected some of our
traditional markets, the financial crisis in Europe, our major markets,
and the US debt crisis, we the exporters have performed extremely well
recording a 30 percent growth in the first few months of this year.”
President, National Chamber of Exporters (NCE) Sarath de Silva at the
19th awards ceremony of the NCE said: “We are in the threshold of an
economic boom, in a country full of hope.
We also live in an era, where development is taking place around us.
The Southern Hambantota Port, and five more ports are being developed,
mega power generation units, new airports and super highways are being
built. Logistic and infrastructure development are essential for proper
functioning of the export industry.
Economic indicators, lowering of bank interest and control over
inflation, have made it possible for us to plan our budgets. As
exporters, we would definitely like the Dollar parity rates to be
favourable to exports.
Our strategic geographical location, is the reason why Sri Lanka is
in the trade and tourism map. It is now when we are aware of our
potential, the country’s potential, and the role we play in the world
stage with a dynamic leader.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa, whose commitment and determination to
make Sri Lanka the ‘Wonder of Asia’, we definitely have a lead role to
play to support his vision. Exporters are now earning $ 9b as export
turnover, and we expect to reach closer to $ 10b by the end of this
year, and $ 15b by 2015.
The NCE is supportive of the Government, to assist them in achieving
their target of $ 20b by 2020. Let us consider ourselves lucky to live
in a country that is full of hope, and happiness.
Our per capita income which is $2053 is expected to be $ 4,000 by
2016, which will make our industrialists, to have a larger domestic
market, that can cater to a population with a greater buying power.
Hence, today we are standing in the threshold of an era, that past
generations could have never have dreamt of.
The NCE has its own plans firmly ensconced for the next 12 months and
we will be celebrating our 25th year this November.
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