Exporters hope for close dialogue with Government

The Exporters' Association of Sri Lanka (EASL), the apex body for exporters, commended the government's plan to restore good governance while taking steps to create economic growth and prosperity.

The EASL and its membership extends its support to the government to increase export income by providing goods and services to the global market.

The EASL, however, hopes that the government will take steps to eliminate some of the barriers the sector faces.

The Exporters Association has continuously lobbied on several platforms and to relevant agencies with regard to matters of importance, which keep the wheels of industry relentlessly driving exports.

A matter of concern is the frustration of domestic companies engaged in exports, which compels them to either relocate their businesses abroad or consider the expansion of overseas operations.

There is an urgent eed to implement a policy framework to sustain investments already made.

The Exporters Association looks forward to entering into a close dialogue with the Government to present its concerns viz-a-viz building capacity within institutions responsible for steering the industry, which will ensure reaching international markets in a cost effective and productive manner.

The long awaited setting up of an EXIM bank which will support exporters exploring new markets and expanding the scope of SLECIC will encourage diversification of markets and exports by the important SME sector.

Another area which needs to be addressed is the call of the export community to be engaged in decisions regarding review of the FTA with India and the setting up and implementation of the FTA with China.

The EASL is confident that the new administration will be willing to enter into a dialogue with its membership soon.