JITF, a boon for Northern development

The fifth edition of the Jaffna International Trade Fair (JITF) will be held at the Duraiyappah Stadium from January 17-19, 2014.

The exhibition, a platform to promote trade and investments in the North attracts a large number of local and foreign businessmen and investors. The JITF is expected to attract over 50,000 visitors next year.

The number of visitors this year was around 50,000.

Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services (LECS) Director, Imran Hassan said that the JITF has become one of the largest international trade fairs in Sri Lanka with over 300 stalls and 250 companies participating.

The 'Made in Jaffna’ pavilion will be a unique feature of next year's exhibition which is expected to accelerate development in the North.

Jaffna Chamber of Commerce and Industries, President, K. Pooranachandran said that JITF has helped boost economic growth in the North through trade and investments. A large number of new business ventures and investments have emerged through JITF.

The Jaffna peninsula, rich in natural resources, has vast potential for economic development. Agriculture, fisheries and palmyrah industries provide livelihood to a large number of people.

The JITF has been a boon to the revival and development of traditional industries and create new business ventures that would provide employment to youth.

“A large number of potential investors and businessmen have shown interest in investing and setting up ventures in the North,” Hassan said.

The infrastructure development currently underway in the region has paved the way for many investment opportunities. The exhibition will comprise the construction, hospitality, food and beverage and packing industries, automobile, ICT, apparel, agriculture and consumer goods.

JIFT is organised by Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services.