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by L. S. A. Wedaarachchi

While India and our neighbouring countries have stepped up exports to the North American market for their products, Sri Lanka's exports to the same market dropped during the last few years.

President of the Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce in Canada Cecil Rodrigo said that Sri Lanka's exports to the Canadian market dropped from .035% to .029% during 2001-2005.

On the other hand India and Pakistan increased their exports to the Canadian market from .33% to .47% and .021% to .083% during the same period.

Cecil Radrigo, a Sri Lankan resident in Canada said that there are enormous opportunities in the North American Market for Sri Lankan products. North America comprises the United States, Canada and Mexico.

"In 2001 Pakistan's market share of Canadian market was lower than that of Sri Lanka-Pakistan beat Sri Lanka during the last three years. At present Pakistan shows a sharp increase in their exports to the Canadian market," he said.

Being the president of the Canada-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce and Director Operations of an export management and consulting company Mcey International, Rodrigo said Sri Lankan exporters and prospective exporters should understand the North American market and explore the opportunities for their exports.

Among the top 25 Sri Lankan products exported to Canada from Sri Lanka are women's woven and cotton trousers, overalls and shorts, new pneumatic rubber tyres, woven and cotton mens- boys shirts, Black Tea, Gloves coated or covered with rubber or plastics, surgical gloves, vegetable products, parts and accessories for calculating and accounting machines, porcelain or China tableware and kitchenware.

Rodrigo said that there is a potential market for organic food in North America since western consumers are highly concerned about health and nutrition.

He said that 30% - 40% of US consumers buy organic food regularly and at present special counters can be seen for organic food and vegetables in the supermarkets.

Twenty-one percent of the annual growth in organic food and vegetable sector has been evident in the North American market during the last few years.

It is essential to adhere to the import and export rules and regulations of North American countries to enter and improve export business.

Assistance and all details can be obtained from the Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce in Canada, Commercial and Economic Section of the High Commission of Sri Lanka, Ottawa Canada, Canada-Sri Lanka Business Council, and Torranto Board of Trade for the prospective export business sector.

An MoU was signed between the Canada-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce in Canada and the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka recently in Colombo.

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