Exports increase 1.07% to $ 7.3 b

Exports from January to September this year show an increase of 1.07 percent compared to the corresponding period of the past year despite many global market challenges, Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen at the launch of 'Reflection of Sri Lanka' at the Ministry of Mass Media and Information last week.

Minister Bathiudeen said, "Our exports from January to September this year was $ 7,314 million, a 1.07% increase compared to the corresponding period in 2012."

"Having faced international market challenges our exports are now gradually strengthening. Export growth has been helped by footwear, growing by 85%, export crops such as spices by 36.8%, diamonds, gems and jewellery exports by 11.28%, fisheries exports by 11%, and apparel exports by 5.64%," he said.

"The Free Trade Agreements that we have with India and Pakistan, on 8,200 products, and more importantly our forthcoming FTA with China which is the world's largest consumer market are factors that international investors cannot find in many other emerging economies. Even our services sector is attractive for investments," Bathiudeen said.

"Reflections of Sri Lanka is an exposition hosting 700 exhibitors, displaying the best of Sri Lanka's diverse products for export," he said.

Industry and Commerce Ministry Secretary, Anura Siriwardena said, "This is a rare but an opportune moment to enhance the image of Sri Lanka among the international business community. Almost 1,000 buyers have shown interest in the exhibition. We have even enlisted 100 technology providers. We are opening the event to the public for three days - November 14-17."

EDB, Chairman and CEO, Bandula Egodage said, "Reflection of Sri Lanka gives a rare opportunity to the export community to meet international buyers at one location in Sri Lanka.

The EDB is using a multi-channel promotion strategy involving e-catalogues, e-brochures, web banners, press and electronic advertisements to engage international buyers to our export products.

Already 300 exporters, 700 exhibitors, 200 export oriented SMEs, 75 machinery exporters, 100 technology providers, have enlisted for 'Reflection of Sri Lanka' - some of them being participants of Expo 2012 held in March 2012."

"There will also be exhibitor pavilions with sector branding. Many B2B sessions are planned with the visiting international businessmen," he said.