Sri Lanka Expo 2011 - focus on automobiles, textile

By P. Krishnaswamy

Trade representives from India and Hong Kong who displayed their products at Expo 2011

The three-day Sri Lanka Expo 2011 international Trade Exhibition of Automobiles, Maintenance, Parts and Accessories as well concurrent Fabric and Textile Machinery commenced last Thursday, June 23, at the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre (SLECC) under the auspices of the CP Exhibition, Hong Kong and the Pico Sri Lanka. Exhibitors from China, Germany, India, Malaysia, Taiwan, Sri Lanka and Thailand took part in this event showcasing their international equipment and accessories and the latest cutting edge technologies.

Thailand Automotive Aftermarket Association had a big Thailand pavilion with 20 reputed companies to showcase their products including auto spare parts. A big group from India including the leading engine manufacturers, Greaves Cotton Limited and six other companies, displayed their famous diesel and petrol engines and other equipment.

Advanced auto electrical equipment, parts and car care products were also showcased by the Indian group. China's largest enterprise for I/E of textile equipment and four other companies of international repute of that country displayed equipment of the complete production line for spinning, weaving, dyeing and processing. Four companies from Sri Lanka and four from Taiwan showcased their products. International manufacturers from Germany, Lubricant Consult GmbH displayed their latest lubricant products at the exhibition.

Trade representatives exchanging views

The exhibition was held under the endorsement of the Ministry of Economic Development, the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL), Automobile Association of Ceylon, Ceylon Motor Traders' Association, Lanka Motor Spare Parts Dealers' Association and the Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association (SLEEA).

Dr. Andrew L.K. Kay, Managing Director of CP Exhibition - China Promotion - delivering his welcoming speech said that they were holding the international trade event for the first time in Sri Lanka because a favourable atmosphere for international trade and commerce now prevailed in Sri Lanka. They had already held the exhibition in several South Asian countries, he said.

Delivering his keynote address Dr. Thusitha Tennakoon, Secretary General of the FCCISL said that Sri Lanka had recorded an economic growth of eight percent in the first quarter of this year and, consequently, a very good atmosphere for investments in commercial and industrial ventures prevailed in the country.

This is a remarkable achievement considering the numerous internal problems which the country encountered, he said.