Platform for importers to source products

Sri Lankan firms should have a sound 'sourcing strategy' to help improve the overall business performance by sourcing the right products at the right price and at the right time, a director at the Norway-based Fair Deal AS, Tom Albrigston told a seminar organized by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) recently.

He said it is important for firms to have an 'effective sourcing strategy'. "Many firms ignore this point, even though they have strategies in place for marketing, finance, product development and sales, etc." CCC and Fair Deal are working together to create a platform for importers to source goods at factory cost.

Albrigston said a sourcing strategy will help importers to explore product options, locate ideal partners, help negotiate better prices and also reduce the risk of 'sourcing failure'.

CEO and Chairman of the Norway based Fair Deal AS, Jan Erik Groos said Fair Deal AS and CCC will help local importers source goods mainly from China, South Africa and the Baltic countries. "We help importers source semi-furnished goods, raw materials, consumer products and also marketing materials," he said.