Increase exports

Senior Minister of International Monetary Cooperation Dr. Sarath Amunugama.

Q: You have highlighted the importance of exports at the Expo 2012 symposium. Can you elaborate it?

A: Sri Lanka must exploit its strategic location. Our imports are higher than exports and we need many more industries to function here and we need to rapidly expand our exports.

As a country that is dramatically reducing its debtness, we need to increase exports.

"Investors need to look at three vital elements in terms of comparative and competitive advantages for investment, namely the strategic location of the country, its people and labour, and the institutions and infrastructure.

Healthy political and economic climate

Chairman Export Development Board - Janaka Ratnayake

Q: How do you assess the success of EXPO 2012?

A: The government is open to competitive market strategies that encourage business. That is why foreign investors are ready to place their trust in Sri Lanka.

The healthy - political and economic climate have encouraged international investors to invest in Sri Lanka. Most of the participants agreed that Sri Lanka is good to invest.

Annual export event in Asia

Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen

Q: The Expo 2012 exhibition paved the way for international investors to invest in Sri Lanka. Will it be an annual event?

A: We are considering to promote the Sri Lanka Expo event in future as an export event in the Asian region.

No serious food processing industry in the world ignores the Anuga Fair in-Germany similarly we should strive to make Sri Lanka Expo to be known as a trend setting endeavour and a must see trade and investment event in Asia in the future.