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| Sunday, 13 April 2003 |
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Business |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Industries feel the pinch from Iraq war, pneumonia virus The business community is calling for the appointment of a high level think tank to take stock of the situation and plan ahead as the war against Iraq and the pneumonia in Hong Kong have begun to affect our industries. According to Chairman Ceylon National Chamber of Industries Ranjith Hettiarachchy, tourism from European countries was getting affected by the war, but there was some consolation due to the opening of the new markets of China and Hong Kong. "However, with the spreading of the deadly pneumonia virus, our chances have thinned further," he added. Therefore, solutions should be found now without waiting till the last minute, he urged. Tea, one of Sri Lanka's major exports, too is affected due to the war as Iraq is one of our major buyers. Garment and perishable exporters are also starting to face difficulties due to extra freight charges, but if the war drags on, garment exporters will find it extremely difficult to import their fabrics and export garments. Perishable exporters will be in an even worse situation as they will have to sell their produce cheap if they cannot export it. "Therefore, it is necessary to find alternatives now rather than wait for the last minute and feel sorry." He said if perishables cannot be sold at a reasonable price, they can be preserved and exported after a while, which will add value and eliminate waste. |
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| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
