Expo 2012- mega trade, investment and tourism promotion initiative

The government is to construct a mega structure close to the Bandaranaike International Airport to host exhibitions and conventions to promote exports . Sri Lanka is well-known as a MICE destination and many events are held in the country.

A building with all facilities will open many opportunities, said Chairman and CEO Export Development Board, Janaka Ratnayaka.Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa has promised that the necessary land for construction will be allocated in the near future. Sri Lanka Expo 2012 the mega trade ,investment and tourism promotion initiative themed”partnering with the Hub of Asia” will be held from March 28-31 at the BMICH.

Pic : Kavindra Perera

Expo 2012, is a unique combination of an international exhibition, symposium business meetings and other corporate events. It will showcase Sri Lanka’s export quality products and services attracting industry experts, public and private sector representatives trade and business associations and international buyers from around the globe, offering a rich multicultural mosaic of knowledge to visitors said Ratnayake.

Visitors will have access to the best Sri Lankan exporters and also discover the finest products and services under one roof. Over 350 exports will showcase their products and services which are classified as agriculture and fisheries, Industrial products and

services and will include Ceylon tea, ethical garments, gems and Business Process Outsourcing as well as a host of other products and services. He said that the response from the export community for Expo 2012 was overwhelming and represents the largest exporters as well as the SME exporter. “ it is encouraging to note that all the strategic sectors identified by the EDB are represented by the key players of these sectors.

The chairman said that 370 exhibitors including 70 SMEs from 24 sectors will be exhibiting their products and services at a single location.

Ratnayake said that over 1000 international visitors including trade buyers,members of delegations investors and outbound tour operators are expected to attend the event. Around 700 trade visitors from the Middle East and Africa, Americas, EU, Russia,South Asia, East Asia and the Pacific have already registered for the event.

In addition ministerial delegations from strategic markets such as the Maldives, Korea, China, the UAE, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh are also being arranged.

He said that a carefully planned extensive promotional campaign is in place to promote the event globally. In addition a series of road shows and interactive sessions were held in strategic markets such as UK, Dubai,Germany, Korea,Canada, Malaysia,Mumbai, New Delhi and Chennai with the participation of high level delegations. The EDB in the past has organised three Expo events in 1992, 1994 and 1997 and plans are underway to hold it once in two years.

- SG