Lanka exports jump in October

Asian Tribune - 24/11/2013

Top officials join Rishad Bathiudeen (Minister of Industry and Commerce) to review exports at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

Sri Lanka is hopeful as exports continue to surge with latest volumes showing a promising uptrend. “The export trend in September is continuing. The 3% exports increase in October is higher than expected” said a pleased Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister of Industry and Commerce on 22 November.

Minister Bathiudeen was acknowledging the latest export numbers for October 2013 indicated to him by his top officials on 22 November at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

Accordingly, the January-October 2013 exports turnover increased by 3.07% to $ 8379.93 Mn in comparison to Jan-October 2012’s $ 8130.20 Mn.

According to the provisional data provided by the EDB, apparels rose by a strong 9.39% to $ 3549.94 Mn, while Industrial products rose by 2.32% to $ 6139.64 Mn. Agricultural and tea increased strongly- Agro product exports rose by 8.63% to $ 2015.85 Mn while tea exports also rose by 8.96% to $ 1237.82 Mn.

Other export crops such as spices, vegetables, fruits joined the trend, rising overall by 42% to $ 430.01 Mn.

Even fisheries products has increased by 15.03% to $196.35 Mn!

$ 01 B int’l biz partnerships from Reflection

Asian Tribune - 22/11/2013

Sujatha Weerakoon (DG-EDB-second from left) and Bandula Egodage (Chairman-EDB) join Rishad Bathiudeen (Minister of Industry and Commerce-far left) and Basil Rajapaksa (Minister of Economic Development-second from right) on 16 November at Reflection of Sri Lanka, Battaramulla.

The biggest Lankan trade, tourism and investment exposition in history successfully concluded on Sunday 17 November at Battaramulla, with $ 01 Bn in international business partnerships. “The event appears to be a sell-out. There were more than 242000 visitors that included an unprecedented number of international buyers representing 66 countries -which led to 1428 serious buyer visits, 101 promising B2B meetings” said Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister of Industry and Commerce on 20 November in Colombo.

Minister Bathiudeen was speaking with his top officials including Anura Siriwardena, (Secretary, Ministry of Industry and Commerce), on 20 November acknowledging the final review of the progress of Reflection of Sri Lanka -the integrated tourism, trade, investment and SME exposition -inaugurated on 13 November in Battaramulla. Reflection of Sri Lanka was inaugurated by (HE) the President Mahinda Rajapaksa on 13 November evening in the presence of a large number of Lankan and international dignitaries as well as media.

The strategic thinking behind “Reflection of Sri Lanka” is to leverage the opportunities provided by CHOGM as a platform to illustrate Sri Lanka’s capacity to easily integrate with global value chains. ‘Reflection’ will also highlight the country’s logistic capabilities, high knowledge base, and its dedication to international compliance standards encasing trade, tourism and investment opportunities in them. This historic Sri Lanka brand push targets no less than the movers and shakers-the international decision & policy makers as well as investment influencers arriving for CHOGM. In fact, many top Lankan brands, vendors and products such as Pure Ceylon Tea (Dilmah, Basilur), IT/BPO (SLASSCOM, PWC), were in prominent display at the site.

This event is an inter-Ministry effort, co-organized by the Ministry of Economic Development, our Ministry the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the EDB functioning under it, and is joined by Sri Lanka Tourism, and the Board of Investment.

According to the Reflection of Sri Lanka performance report, there were The 242,176 visitors included an unprecedented number of international buyers representing 66 countries -which led to 1428 serious buyer visits, 101 promising B2B meetings, 195 negotiations for business partnerships leading to 37 confirmed, positive outcomes in 11 sectors- while another 897 event participants were being served by a novel concept called specific Export Industry Seminars that took upon such timely topics as ‘How to Export Under FTAs’.

Of the 1428 serious buyers visiting the event, 566 were trade delegates (including foreign visitors), 247 were online registered buyers, 510 from Business Forum delegates and 105 were new registrants. 101 promising B2B meetings were concluded successfully. 195 negotiations for business partnerships took place of which 37 led to confirmed, positive outcomes in no less than 11 sectoral categories of which the leading categories were ‘diamond, gems and jewellery’ and ‘soft toys & accessories’. 897 participants were given the opportunity to take part in a novel concept called Export Industry Seminars which focused on timely and very specific themes such as aquaculture development, bilateral technology cooperation, greener coconut production and exporting under FTAs.

Of the international visitors from 66 countries, business and investment delegations from China (04 delegations), Italy (1), South Africa(1), UAE(1), Iran(1), met Hon Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen at the Reflection venue and were enlightened of the many pathways to partner with Sri Lanka.

The Chinese, Italian, and South African delegations were afforded special factory visits upon their requests by Reflection organisers. Among the many factories visited were tea, construction, paint, rubber, cables, seafood, and fruits & vegetable processing. 49 international journalists from Canada, Dubai, Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, U.K., France, Saudi Arabia, India, Philippines, U.A.E, Pakistan, Japan and China visited the exhibition covering the opening ceremony, took comprehensive walk-throughs of the site and met Hon. Minister Industry & Commerce, Secretary Ministry of Industry and Commerce, DG Commerce, EDB Chairman, DG and with EDB officials at a briefing on 14 November. Hon Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa too, personally briefed international Journalists from Japan, India, New Zealand, and Australia. This large scale event was an inter-Ministry effort, co-organized by the Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the EDB functioning under it, and is joined by Sri Lanka Tourism, the Board of Investment and the Gem and Jewellery Authority.

The success of the event illustrated by its visitor composition alone is strong proof of confidence of international trade, investment and business communities on Sri Lanka’s new growth towards an upper middle income market economy.

The mini-BoI one stop shop at the venue recorded almost 4500 inquiries of which about 500 were from international business visitors. “Our stall has been well attended from the start. We have sector specific BoI specialist attending every serious inquiry immediately” said Jagath De Silva (BoI Senior Deputy Director-Media & Publicity). “There were many investment inquiries and among them, four large-scale investment inquiries positively stand out. The Spanish BoI wants to bring a strong investment delegation to Colombo for automobiles, machinery tools, and light engineering, A Canadian inquiry for an automated car park in Colombo, Iranian investment inquiry on fertiliser plant, Chinese investor inquiry to set up a steel construction material supply plant in Hambanthota” added De Silva.

Also inside Reflection was an expo within an expo- the China Engineering and Technology Expo event by China International Contractors’ Association, (CHINCA)China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Chinese government officials, officials of Chinese Embassy in Colombo, and China Machinery Engineering Corporation. The CMEC stall, spanning 1300 Sq Ft, showcases 50 Chinese enterprises-including many businesses across many sectors including engineering contractors and engineering equipment manufacturers too.

Taiwan Textile Fair begins on November 26

Daily News - 20/11/2013

The top textile companies from Taiwan will be showcasing their cutting edge, unique and high performance textile products at Taiwan Textile Fairs in South Asia 2013 at the Taj Samudra, Colombo, Sri Lanka on November 26 and 27, 2013.

Taiwan is one of the largest textile exporters in the world and the Taiwan textile industry is internationally renowned for its manufacturing excellence. Their superior quality yarn, innovative fabrics and textile products are now coming to Sri Lanka and will present their range of state-of-the-art textile products to Sri Lankan apparel manufacturers at the Taiwan Textile Fairs in South Asia 2013.

With Sri Lanka's textile and export industry growing again, the Taiwan Textile Fairs in South Asia 2013 is the perfect opportunity for Sri Lanka's apparel manufacturers to source superior, exclusive and unique fabrics and yarns that will add substantially to their product range while also introducing manufacturers to new product categories.

Sourcing the unique fabric and yarn from these Taiwan based companies will give a substantial competitive edge to Sri Lankan manufacturers while also fuelling their growth in the growing domestic as well as international export market. The Taiwan Textile Fairs in South Asia 2013 is the ideal business matching platform for Sri Lankan marketers, business buyers, partners, distribution channels and key decision makers.

Taiwan Textile Fairs in South Asia 2012 was very successful and Justine Cheng, Specialist of Marketing Development Department of the Taiwan Textile Federation said, "We were pleased with the response in 2012.

The number of buyers to our show confirmed the strong potential of Sri Lanka's apparel market. This year the Taiwan Textile Federation has organised a group of textile and accessory suppliers specialising in fashion, function and innovative eco-friendly products. These suppliers will not only provide you premium products, but also provide Sri Lankan exporters and manufacturers a full package with high quality control and long-term reliable service."

This is organized by the Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT) and Taiwan Textile Federation (TTF) with its representative agency Worldex India Exhibition and Promotion Pvt Ltd., the event is duly endorsed by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and supported by the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) and Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association (SLAEA).

Spice, allied products turnover to reach US$ 500 mn by 2015

Daily News - 19/11/2013
By Indunil Hewage 

The demand for value added cinnamon products such as cinnamon leaf oil, bark oil, crushed cinnamon and ground cinnamon for confectionery and other food related industries has increased in the world. Sri Lanka is planning to double cinnamon export earnings by increasing value addition of cinnamon.

Sri Lanka is the largest supplier of cinnamon exports to the world spice market, producing about 85% of international output. However, Sri Lanka ranks well below in value added cinnamon exports to the world market. Other competitor countries make huge profits by adding value to cinnamon exported from Sri Lanka, while Sri Lanka is losing profit due to exporting more raw cinnamon.

“The annual spice export contribution to the total GDP is only around 0.5 % and plans are underway to enhance export income from spice exports to 10 % of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2022 with foreign donor funding.

In a bid to enhance spice exports, it is important to introduce new crop types, improve productivity and quality, enhance value addition and by- product development, research and development, explore new market opportunities, products valuation and processing activities and others.” Ministry of Minor Export Crop Promotion senior official told Daily News Business.

EDB Chairman and CEO Bandula Egodage told Daily News Business that spices especially cinnamon exports are performing well and Sri Lanka is the topmost exporter of cinnamon, producing about 85% of international output. “We are currently working on obtaining the certification for Geographical Indication Process (GIP) for cinnamon.

This will help us to consolidate our position in the global market”, he said. 

Ministry of Economic Development of the Democratic : Reflection of Sri Lanka International exhibition from November 13 to 17

4-traders.com
By Dharman Wickremaratne

The exposition on Trade, Tourism and Investment titled 'Reflection of Sri Lanka' is set to take place in parallel with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), in November 13 to 17, 2013 at the Battaramulla Ape Gama premises(Jana Kala Kendraya). This event would be the biggest of its kind, happening in Sri Lanka, with the registered participation of 520 exporters under one roof, accommodating 968 stalls.

Reflection of Sri Lanka International Exhibition on Trade, Tourism and Investment organized by the Ministry of Economic Development and Ministry of Industry and Commerce together with Export Development Board(EDB), Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and the Board of Investment(BOI).



300 exporters have been chosen by the EDB to showcase their products in 355 stalls while 200 export-oriented SMEs have been allocated 100 stall in the vicinity under a separate SME sector corridor. Earlier markings noted 25 machinery exporters to be given 36 stalls and 82 tourism-related parties to have 100 stalls, while over 200 more were allocated  for international technology providers. Foreign representatives of importers from 70 countries are set to grace the event, paving way of a golden opportunity for potential exporting parties to attract potential investors.

With the anticipation of 700 registered foreign participants of the Commonwealth Business Forum, this is set to reach a total of 1300 with local attendance to the exposition. At a glance, it is estimated that up to 2500 foreign nationals will attend, making this one of the largest crowds ever to attend this landmark event, in Sri Lanka.

The trade stalls will concentrate on seven key sectors - tea, apparel, gem and jewellery, spices, food, rubber, products and ICT/BPO. Buyers are expected from India, China, Canada, UK, UAE, Iran, Philippines, Egypt, Pakistan, Singapore and Seychelles, with buyer delegations with national representation expected from China, India, South Africa and Iran.

The event, which will be held on a nine acre land, has instigated an informative and visible array of Sri Lanka's main crops adjacent to its relevant featuring stall in the form of a mini tea plantation, coconut, cinnamon and other spices, ayurvedic herbs, rubber etc.
The site will be preserved continuously after the conclusion of the exposition.

The Board of Investment (BOI) have also instigated a one-stop shop or 'Investment Centre' for the sole purpose of catering towards interested investors who can acquire relevant project information with regard to potential business projects in Sri Lanka, whilst assisting those interested parties in all aspects of immediate and convenient registration. The BOI is set to promote more than 55 Government related and large-scale projects to participants of the forum.

Anuga Exhibition from 5th to 9th October 2013 in Cologne, Germany

Asian Tribune - 10/11/2013

Anuga Exhibition from 5th to 9th October 2013 in Cologne, Germany

The Anuga Exhibition is the most important platform for the food business held in Cologne. This year, 6777 exhibition stands catered to the public, and more than 150 000 trade visitors from 187 countries were present to check out the actual trends in the food business.

The Minister of Industries and Commerce of Sri Lanka, Rishad Bathiudean, accompanied by Ambassador of Sri Lanka in Germany, Mr. Sarath Kongahage, and the Consul General of Sri Lanka in Frankfurt, Mr. Pradip Jayawardana, opened the Sri Lanka representation with 41 Sri Lankan companies exhibiting high quality Sri Lankan products such as tea and other export products.

Anuga Exhibition from 5th to 9th October 2013 in Cologne, Germany

15 of the Sri Lankan companies exhibiting at the Anuga were represented in the National Pavilion organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board. 8 companies represented the Sri Lankan tea in the Tea Board pavilion. 18 companies visited the Anuga by their own efforts, most of them operating in the tea export business. Many companies reported a good level of ordering activity. One company spokesperson also said that the participants generally expect the post-fair business to be fairly good.

There were many inquiries about Sri Lankan products in the course of the exhibition. The exhibiting companies reported many intensive discussions with high-level decision-makers. The new trends identified at the exhibition are modifications of the daily life style and eating habits. Companies have to focus more on freshness, taste, nutrition and sustainability of their products. Another trend is a focus on high quality and organic food products.

Lanka’s export revenue to reach US$ 11 billion mark

Daily News - 08/11/2013
By Indunil Hewage

Sri Lanka’s total export revenue is expected to reach US$ 11 billion mark by the end of this year, Export Development Board Chairman and CEO Bandula Egodage said

-“This is not an easy task, but we hope to reach the $ 11 billion export revenue mark by end of this year. As of September our total export value for 2013 is recorded at US$ 7314 million, which is a 1.07% increase in comparison to the same period in 2012. Our exports are now gradually strengthening despite the international market challenges. We have also set an export target of US$ 15 billion by 2015 and $ 20 billion by 2020. Apparel and tea exports currently account for over 40% and 20% of total exports from Sri Lanka respectively.

Apart from tea and apparel, spices, fishery products diamonds, gem and jewellery and other industrial products are performing well,” Egodage told Daily News Business Commenting on the cinnamon exports, Egodage noted, “spices especially cinnamon exports are performing well and Sri Lanka is the topmost exporter of cinnamon, producing about 85% of international output. We are currently working on obtaining the certification for Geographical Indication Process (GIP) for cinnamon. This will help us to consolidate our position in the global market.”

Egodage also added, “I’m confident that the upcoming budget will offer incentives to Sri Lankan exporters enabling them to be competitive in the global market. I’m a firm believer that the government will extend support to Sri Lankan exporters who bring valuable foreign exchange to the country.” 

SL-B’desh mull formulating PTA

Daily Mirror - 05/11/2013

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will begin formulating a preferential trade agreement (PTA) between the two countries subsequent to the completion of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), with a view to developing into a free-trade agreement (FTA) in future, according to Bangladesh High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Mohammad S. Rahman.

“The current quantum of bilateral trade between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh is still relatively low at approximately US $ 9 million.

However, there is a lot of potential to improve this figure. We hope to establish a PTA once the CHOGM is completed, which can eventually be developed into a fullyfledged FTA in future,” he stated.

Rahman stated that a Working Group on Trade had already been formed between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, adding that a PTA would be part of the Bangladeshi government’s continued efforts to increase intra-regional trade with its neighbours.

Emphasizing that the formation of a list of items to be given preferential treatment has still not commenced, he nevertheless stated that tea and rubber are potential Sri Lankan exports that could receive such concessions, while pharmaceutical exports from Bangladesh are also being considered.

He stated that the proposed PTA and eventual FTA between the two countries would be formulated along the lines of the South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) and initially consists of alterations to the ‘sensitive list’ or negative list of items.

“Ultimately it will have to be the exporters and consumers in our markets who decide the actual terms of the agreement,” he added.

Additionally, Rahman stated that steps would also be taken to improve co-operation between Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi ports, potentially including a Memorandum of Understanding between the new Magampura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port and Bangladesh’s Chittagong Port.

“There are a lot of synergies that can be achieved that can be achieved in the shipping sector, particularly since about 80 percent of Bangladesh exports are first shipped to Singapore, of which a large majority is then shipped back West.

If Sri Lanka can improve its port efficiency, then there is a lot of potential to develop maritime links between our nations for mutual benefit,” Rahman observed.

Reflection of Sri Lanka - Export Industry Seminars

Reflection of Sri Lanka Promotional Video

Ornamental live fish exports –National Priority Needed

Asian Tribune - 03/11/2013
By T.K.Premadasa

The notable feature of our exports during the last few years was the decline in exports, an ominous signal to the economy. The reason behind this decrease was the local and foreign market factors such as high cost of production, lack of strategic strength, non-preference by Western countries and economic crises in the occidental world.

Major products manufactured in Sri Lanka which took take the precedent role in its contribution to the export trade also shown decline trend. Under this situation, the export of fresh and marine water ornamental fish have significantly maintained export strength except 2012 and now showing nearly 20 % increase of its export in 2013 up to August compare to the previous year.

Contribution of fresh water and marine water ornamental fish to the total export comes to nearly 0.4 %. Even if the percentage seems to be small, it carries a continuous share of its contribution to the national development. It is much importance looking into this sector in positive manner to take to priority area of exports as Sri Lanka rich with resources related these products.

Ornamental fish keeping is one of the most popular hobbies in the world today. Some people believes that looking in to the these fishes moving in tanks gets mental relaxation and it is an ideal tool for mediation. Even scientist believes the hobbies collection and looking in to the fish get reduction from stress and frustration. The keeping of fish as pet is not harmful to human health like other pets.

The hobbies of keeping of colorful fish in tanks has been going back to long history. The first such fish keeping fish is Gold Fish( Carassius auratus). According to historian says it was popular in China and first historical records of kept goes back to Ming Dynasty in China.( (1368–1644).

But all Sri Lankan should proud that during King Dutugamunu (161 BC to 137 BC) Sri Lanka kept gold fish as hobby. Archeologists discovered the gold fish park or Ranmasu Uyana which is located below the bund (dam) of the 'Tisawewa' tank in Anuradhapura. It is considered to be the royal park / pleasure gardens with granite ponds. It is interesting to note that in an inscription it is stated that, somewhere in this park, had been a pond with 'Goldfish'. The Vessagiriya inscription of King of 4th Mihindu has been mentioned this garden as Gold Fish Park. This proves that Sri Lanka is the first country keeping ornamental fish as hobby.

Ornamental fish developed as an industry with development of aviation industry. It made a path to become a global trade. With the development of new technologies in modern world such as development of aquaculture technology, water management systems, better understanding of nutrition and aquatic disease management and many other branches of animal husbandry sciences have supported to develop this industry as global industry.

Today this industry has became global item with nearly US$ half billion trade. The Asian countries maintained the large number of supply to the world. Singapore maintains as largest exporter of ornamental fish and recently Spain came to first place. Over hundred thousand varieties of Ornamental fish moving around the world. USA , EU Japan are the leading buyers.

Ornamental fish industry of Sri Lanka originated with the establishment of the Zoological Gardens in early 1940s. A few industrialists were involved in breeding fish before, but not on commercial basis. Of the few reputed personalities who encouraged divers on collection of marine fish as a hobby was Sir John Kotelawala. However the first public Aquarium was established in 1952. During a period of 60 years the industry became commercialized with the celebration of 50 year anniversary by some companies like, Lumbini Aquarium, Aquamarines International Private Limited.

Today nearly 50 leading companies export about thousand varieties of fresh and marine water ornamental fish to over 50 countries. Leading exporters on large scale business of aquariums located in Colombo suburban areas and Negombo region have started moving to Mahaveli and dry zone rural areas. Prevalent peaceful environment in the North and East has caused the expansion of the industry into tropical climatic locations in the island.

Sri Lanka exports over a thousand varieties of Ornamental fish to the tune of Rs 1,400 Mn around 40 countries world over. It is nearly 1.2% of the total world exports.

Sri Lanka Exports of Ornamental fish in US Dollars

Year	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013Jan- July
Value	8,981,333	8,523,277	10,076,839	10,053,137	7,573,518	5,816,816

This industry has high expansion of potential available with an abundance of natural resources. Unbelievably charming fish of various kinds never seen before could be captured in plenty around Sri Lanka, island of the Indian Ocean. Availability of professional divers who routinely maintain the supply of marine fish is a remarkable advantage towards development of the industry.

Recent records indicate that nearly 120 species have been registered from inland water. Rivers, Reservoirs and Lakes with fresh water provide natural environment for sustenance of fresh fish. This has encouraged the government to promote production of fresh fish in central province. Sri Lanka has 82 species of indigenous fresh water fish out of which 54 species have been approved for export.

As the varieties of Fresh Water Ornamental Fish are limited, the industry has been concentrating mainly on marine water ornamental fish from the beginning as there was a vast area found in the ocean. Today Marine live fish leads by 75% of its ornamental fish exports.

However, restrictions on the import of ocean fish have been enforced by the occidental nations of the world causing a difficult situation for trade of marine fish. Fortunately, Sri Lankan breeders, particularly of younger generation, have braved the challenges with innovative and alternative measures taken to buttress the situation.

The new generation involved in breeding ornamental fish for export is qualified in professional education directly related to fish industry. Some of them have mastered marine biology degrees from world reputed Universities and utilized their know how for new innovation with high security measures adopted for the Ocean. The striking example is the introduction of new varieties of sea horse by companies like Aquamarines International (Pvt) Ltd. In early 2000, steps were taken to breed a variety of sea horse fish under the technical name Hippocampus Reidi netted from Brazilian sea exported with great success. Later the new varieties of Hippocampus ( Sea Horse ) Hippocampus Comes, Hippocampus Trimaulatues Hippocampus Kudda sea horse fish were captured from sea and effectively bred. In addition to varieties of shrimps like Fire Shrimp and Cleaner shrimp also introduced. Today the export of new varieties of fish has earned the highest export value. The objective of these researches was mainly to secure the environment. The cost of this marine fish is seven times higher than the fish captured from the ocean. Despite the high price of fish, the hobbyists have no qualms in purchasing as this system gives protection to these attractive fish as well as the environment.

Varieties of new products of artificial rocks and possibility of coral farming were introduced on experimental basis by Aqua Marine International (Pvt) Ltd opening the opportunity of a new venture to be developed to a lucrative business. Apparently, building ornamental fish villages in Sri Lanka has been proposed. Hopefully the new experiment may help develop the industry!

It is imperative for the government to give its priority to improve the industry with the support of the government. Ornamental fish is usually brought up moving with corals and live stock etc. Today experiments are being launched on upgrading the coral farming projects in Sri Lanka more effectively.

The most nations have volunteered to help develop the Coral Farming Project in their countries as a protective measure for corals in the Ocean and it will be a commercially viable industry. In appreciation of the effort taken by the companies to expand the industry with coral farming projects, it is the responsibility of the government to grant necessary approval sought by the companies without any delays in support of its endeavor of developing the industry.

As a result of experiments made already, chances are possible that export of artificial rocks in commercial scale will be launched in the near future. Tax rates will be considerably high despite this being a small scale business venture. So it is the onus of the exporters to stress the demand for tax concession in their effort to elevate the development of artificial rock industry.

As a school of thought it is suggested to open aquarium parks in the city that would make the people mentally relaxed. It is important that the government look in to the possibilities to link with its urban development activities of the government.

Another predominant factor is the high rise in electricity charges. It is suggested to address this issue with equal facilities enjoyed by other commercial organization to be extended to this industry as well.

Potential for marine fish industry in Northern waters post-war has become highly optimistic by the increasing trend of fishing in the region. The environment is so peaceful for fishermen to be engaged in their job quite freely sans threat of terrorism. If opportunity is given, the divers in the South skilled with professional expertise are willing to train Northern divers as a gesture of reconciliatory goodwill. It is the virtue of necessity on the part of the government to play the major role in taking all essential measures to have suitable protection to divers in the Northern and Eastern waters.

It lends credence to the breeders whose ventures have taken protective measures of nurturing endemic species evidently justified by the discovery of new varieties of species. Daino Pathirana discovered by Ananda Pathirana is a case in point.

Chairman of Aquamarines International (Pvt) Ltd Ananda Pathirana and Director Yohan Pathirana by their research in 2001 in Kegol and Nuckels successfully collected 8 specimens in an effort to checkmate the disappearance of this rare species. Braving a difficult challenge, breeding in large quantity of fish was begun encouraging the release of 2000 and 2500 with participation of local community and the blessings of the Department of Wild Life. The entire nation salutes them in appreciation of this excellent service.

Today the breeders are effectively utilizing advanced technology for development of the industry with no harm whatsoever to the environment. Most importantly, capture of rare varieties of marine fish from around the world and breeding them with new scientific resources methodically should be encouraged. Culturing aquarium plants in aquariums is currently in the experimental stage. New technical know-how being applied to secure the longevity of fish and new packaging techniques to reduce the weight has showcased a vast progress.

Support extended by Sri Lanka Export Development Board ( EDB) and NARA to uplift the industry is encouraging. The service rendered by the officials who assigned for the development of the industry from NARA and EDB in close communication with the exporters has gained high recognition. As proposed by the President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his budget speeches, that the implementation financial grant program to develop innovation on fresh and marine ornamental fish industry by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board with the various bureaucratic barriers is commendable.

Sri Lanka identifies key investment projects for Commonwealth Business Forum participants

The Colombo Page - 03/11/2013

Sri Lanka has identified several key areas for investment opportunities to offer to the attendants of the Commonwealth Business Forum (CBF) that will coincide with the Commonwealth Heads of Governments Meeting (CHOGM) scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka from 15th to 17th November, 2013.

The Commonwealth Business Forum will be held from 12th to 14th November at the Hotel Cinnamon Grand in Colombo.

The Forum, organized by the Commonwealth Business Council (CBC) in collaboration with the Sri Lankan government, is seen as a great opportunity for Sri Lanka to enlighten the world about the investment potentials in the island.

It is the premier business event in the Commonwealth bringing together Heads of Government, Ministers, and top business leaders from around the world and will be attended by over a thousand delegates, according to the CBC.

The main goal of the Forum is to enlighten the attendants from the Commonwealth countries as well as from other participating countries on the vast investment opportunities available in the island in various sectors and attract foreign direct investment from potential investors.

With this objective, the CBC jointly with the Board Investment (BOI) has identified investment opportunities which could be offered to potential foreign investors during the CBF.

Tourism and Leisure, Higher Education and Training, Agriculture and Fisheries, Health, Information Technology, Manufacturing and Agro-processing and Infrastructure including Aviation have been identified as key areas to promote foreign investment.

The Cabinet last week approved a proposal by Investment Promotion Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena to proceed with the relevant activities of the CBF.

Sri Lanka has also organized the 'Reflection of Sri Lanka' a mega exposition to showcase the country's trade, tourism and investment potential to the global visitors who will be in the country to attend the Commonwealth Summit.

The four-day event is co-organized by the Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Export Development Board (EDB) functioning under it, and joined by Sri Lanka Tourism, and the Board of Investment.

The 'Reflection of Sri Lanka' will be held from November 13 at the Jana Kala Kendraya (Folk Arts Center), in Battaramulla.

The exposition is aimed at illustrating Sri Lanka's capacity to easily integrate with global value chains. It will also highlight the country's logistic capabilities, high knowledge base, and its dedication to international compliance standards encasing trade, tourism and investment opportunities in them.

According to Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiyutheen, 660 local and international exhibitors and more than 800 potential buyers from 31 countries have confirmed their participation in the event.


According to EDB, 579 local exhibitors in SME, tourism, trade and investment have come forward to enlist for Reflection's trade exposition. Another 81 Foreign companies as machinery and hi-tech equipment exhibitors from key hotspot markets such as China, India and Germany will participate.

Sri Lanka-China FTA not a blindsided rush- Minister Bathiudeen

nation.lk - 03/11/2013

Rishad Bathiudeen and CNCI delegation at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce on October 31. Gamini Gunasekara (new Chairman, CNCI) is seated second from left next to Minister Bathiudeen

Forthcoming FTA with China is not a blindsided move but is a process involving studies and even relevant stakeholder consultations. “We are still at initial study phase and we will not finalize product lists without consulting Lankan stakeholders such as various chambers and industries,” assured Minister of Industry and Commerce of Sri Lanka Rishad Bathiudeen to the oldest Industry Chamber in the country on October 31 in Colombo.

Minister Bathiudeen was addressing a delegation led by new Chairman, CNCI Gamini Gunasekara on October 31 at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. Also taking part were Secretary, Ministry of Industry and Commerce Anura Siriwardena and additional secretaries, officials of Department of Commerce and CNCI officials.

Commenced in 1960, pioneering CNCI is the foremost service facilitator as well as the voice of the Industry. Currently, it consists of almost 300 members including SMEs. It is representative of all the industry sectors of Sri Lanka. Along with new Chairman Gunasekara, reps from such firms as Union Chemicals Lanka, Browns Group, EB Creasy, Central Industries, and Sinwa Holdings were meeting Minister Bathiudeen on October 31.

According to the Department of Commerce of Sri Lanka, the total trade turnover between Sri Lanka and China which stood at US $ 658.94 million in 2005 has increased by a massive 306% to $ 2676.13 million by 2012. In the corresponding period, exports to China increased by 286% to $108 million. This is an achievement considering the fact    that of the 50 Asian Countries only 8 including Sri Lanka were able to maintain a positive export growth to China since 2008. Latest statistics show that China has also entered the first 25 export    destinations for Sri Lankan products.


Having congratulated CNCI new Chairman Gunasekara on his new appointment and welcoming him, Minister Bathiudeen continued: “Lanka-China FTA is a major force to address our trade imbalance with China and increase our export volumes. We are still at initial study phase and we will not finalize product lists without consulting Lankan stakeholders such you and various other Chambers and industries. It is not a closed process but a transparent one. Once the initial studies are concluded, stakeholder meetings will commence. Of course, we will carefully craft market access on our side. Accordingly, we look forward to your valuable inputs. We will also take into account of the strengths of our trading partner, and product lists under other FTAs including Indo–Lanka, Lanka-Pakistan and APTA when we finalize the product lists in this regard.”