Export of sub-standard products will ruin our reputation in the international market as a supplier of high quality spices to the world. And the Export Development Board has already been facilitating Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to the cinnamon industry to improve our Cinnamon quality, says Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister of Industry and Commerce of Sri Lanka.
Minister Bathiudeen was addressing the Annual General Meeting of the Spice Council on November 04 at Taj Samudra Hotel, Colombo. Also present on the occasion were Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Economic Development, Reginald Cooray, Minister of Minor Export Crop Promotions, and Sarada de Silva, Chairman of the Spice Council.
“I wish to stress an important point for the members of spice exporter’s association. That is, exporting of sub-standard products will ruin the reputation gained by Sri Lanka in the international market as a supplier of high quality spices to the world. The Export Development Board has already assisted 20 cinnamon processing centers to upgrade them to Good Manufacturing Practice status to improve the quality of cinnamon. I wish to request the exporters who are not following standards of international compliance and food safety methods to adhere to them in order to safeguard our position in the international market. The Spice Council can also provide some guidelines to the members to follow. What is more important is that we need more exports of value added products in the spices and allied products sector. Only few exporters are engaged in export of value added products. Essential oils, oleoresins are some examples. Export of organic spice products is another sub-sector which has substantial potential. This is because the Japanese and European markets are now very health conscious” Minister Bathiudeen said.
Speaking of contribution of spices to Sri Lanka’s exports basket, Minister Bathiudeen said: “The Spices and Allied products sector has been identified as one of the potential sectors to achieve US$ 1 billion target in 2020 by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board under my Ministry. Also, the government has decided to increase its investments in minor crops to sustain the efforts of the Ministry of Minor Export Crop Promotions. Further, Spices and Allied products sector also contributes a considerable amount of foreign exchange to the national economy. During January–August 2011, the Spice sector has recorded 25% growth, indicating export earnings of US$ 153 Mn compared to the same period in the year 2010. During the year 2010 too, the export earnings has accounted for US$ 165 Million.”
Inviting the industry to take part in the 2012 mega exports show, Minister Bathiudeen said: “The Export Development Board has taken initiatives to organize a mega exhibition “Sri Lanka Expo 2012” during 28th -30th March 2012 at the BMICH. This event is organized with the objective of promoting Trade, Investment and Tourism. It is targeted to attract 1000 top buyers from key export destinations to visit Expo 2012. In addition to buyers, Ministerial delegations, prospective investors and media personalities are expected to attend the event. It has also been proposed to organize a symposium with exclusive speakers from overseas to address on global trade and specific industry trends. I take this opportunity to invite you to participate in this exhibition and showcase your products and skills to the international buyers.”
Speaking of the Mahinda Chinthana Framework, Minister Bathiudeen said: “According to the Mahinda Chintana Policy Framework, the Government’s aim is to give greater access to the rural farmers to our export earnings and enhance their living standards. I am most happy to commend Economic Development Minister Hon. Basil Rajapaksa’s efforts to develop our backyard economic units through the effective Divi Neguma Project. As you are aware, Spices are grown mainly in home gardens in addition to inter-cropping with perennial crops contributing to the rural economy and income generation for the small farmer clusters, which is a key focus of the Mahinda Chinthana. Please accept my thankfulness to you all as exporters, for playing a key role in supporting our rural economy.”