CCIJ helps business to boom in Jaffna

by Lalin FERNANDOPULLE

Jaffna is poised for a fresh take off offering a wide range of opportunities for businesses. The Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Jaffna (CCIJ) supports this endeavour as a link for enterprises to set up operations in the North.

Chairman CCIJ, K. Poornachandran told the Sunday Observer that there are plenty of opportunities in the North that could harness the talent of youth and develop the economy of the region.

"The government embarked on a major reconstruction and rehabilitation program in the North following the eradication of terrorism two years ago. Housing, electricity, roads and telecommunication facilities are provided to the region", he said.

"CCIJ has called upon its members to set up manufacturing industries for exports which would provide employment to youth whose skills have not been utilised for development", Poornachandran said.

CCIJ has been playing a key role in promoting trade and investments in the North, which paved the way for development in the North.

Poornachandran said that industrialists are unable to resume operations due to lack of funds and added that they cannot take loans as interest rates are high.

“Industrialists need the assistance of the government to reactivate business and earn a stable income. People have lost their wealth due to the conflict and are unable to resume business”, he said.

Agriculture has been the lifeblood of people in the North and the East for centuries. Farming, fisheries and cottage industries contribute to the income of people in the region.

Poornachandran said that CCIJ conducts training programs, workshops and trade fairs to develop industries in the North and helps micro level industries to start operations and enhance productivity.

The fertile land of Jaffna has been the bedrock for many of the dry zone vegetables and fruits. The palmyra tree which is unique to the region is a commercial crop with a host of benefits for cottage industries.

CCIJ in collaboration with NGOs helps entrepreneurs to set up businesses and provide jobs to people in the area. It helps banks, leasing companies and private enterprises to set up branches in the North.

The CCIJ has provided opportunities to its members to participate in international trade fairs such as the Canton Fair, industrial exhibitions in Bangalore, Chennai and Singapore”, he said.

CCIJ is affiliated to all major chambers in Colombo. It signed an agreement with the American Chamber of Commerce recently.