2013-08-01
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.
2013-07-09
New regulations were tabled in Parliament yesterday to standardize and improve the quality of the centuries old cinnamon industry in Sri Lanka by shifting the focus from popular export crops – tea, coconut, and rubber – to the value added cinnamon in the international market.
These regulations published in the Gazette Extraordinary 1813/15, prohibits the export of crushed or ground cinnamon, cinnamon organic, cinnamon quills cut, cinnamon in retail packs of 1kg or less, cinnamon featherings, and cinnamon chips, or cinnamon in any other form being exported without the SLS81:2010 certification specified for Ceylon cinnamon.
2013-07-07
The country’s gem and jewellery industry continues its growth momentum with increased export revenue for the first six months of 2013.“We could observe a steady growth in export revenue generation. The growth momentum in the sector augurs well for related industries where its contribution to the national economy becoming more significant,” said Chairman and CEO National Gem and Jewellery Authority, Amitha Gamage.
“We are confident that if this growth momentum continues the gem, jewellery and diamond sector will reach $ one billion by 2016, he said.
2013-07-04
Sri Lanka’s gem, diamond and jewellery export sector has recorded an overall growth of more than 50 percent as at end of 2012. Revenue has increased significantly in comparison to the corresponding year’s figure of Rs.24,459 million in 2011.Therefore, Sri Lanka could be promoted as a gem and jewellery hub in the region, a senior official said.
The export of gemstones brought in revenue of Rs 1,635 million recording a 39 percent growth while jewellery exports generated revenue of Rs 301 million showing an impressive 121 percent growth. The service cutting industry showed signs of recovery by recording an Rs 26 million income with a 50 percent growth.
2013-06-27
The new Board of Directors was appointed to the Sri Lanka Export Development Board on 27th June. Here Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen (fourth from right) and Secretary Anura Siriwardena (third from right) with the new appointees: From left: Rohantha Athukorala, Dr. Chameera C. Yapa Abeywardene, Nawaz Rajabdeen, Bandula Egodage (Chairman), Dr. Yousuf Maraikkar (Executive Director) and Sharass M. Zuaib.
2013-06-26
The total value of trade volume between Sri Lanka and Pakistan could be increased to US$ one billion soon with the free trade agreement between both countries in place. At present total value of trade volume was US$ 460 million, Pakistan High Commissioner Maj Gen Qasim Qureshi said.
“The Pakistani new government has given concrete instructions for the forward march of foreign policy and is now crafting a strategy to engage in economic diplomacy with Sri Lanka to increase trade,” High Commissioner Qurshi said at a media conference to announce the 8th Expo 2013 in Pakistan. The event was to be held from of September 26 to 29 in Karachi.
2013-06-25
Sri Lanka has sought increased market access from India for Sri Lankan exports as a solution to balance the growing trade deficit with India.
Sri Lanka made this request during a discussion with an Indian delegation arrived in the country to discuss trade and investment.
Indian delegation led by S.R. Rao Commerce Secretary, Government of India arrived in Sri Lanka to discuss trade and investment matters with a Sri Lankan delegation led by Dr. P.B. Jayasundera Secretary, Ministry of Finance and Planning and Secretary, Ministry of Economic Development.
2013-06-23
Sri Lanka’s apparel industry is to get a big boost as the world’s largest textile producer, China is exploring possibilities of opening its huge domestic market to the island’s garment exports, an industry heavyweight said.
Secretary General of the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) M.P. Tuly Cooray told the Business Times that their umbrella body is to enter into an agreement with the China National Garment Association to allow access for Sri Lankan apparel industrialists to penetrate the Chinese domestic market and also set up joint ventures to produce internationally branded products for overseas markets.
A high-powered, 20-member delegation from the Chinese association visited Sri Lanka recently and held preliminary discussions towards signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) enabling Chinese apparel makers and top global retailers to shift their orders to Sri Lanka due to the rising labour cost in that country, he revealed. He noted that they aim to get duty free access for apparel from
2013-06-11
The European Seafood Exposition (ESE) is the world's largest seafood fair. Attracting buyers and sellers from over 140 countries around the world and featuring the stands of over 1,600 exhibitors. The European Seafood Exposition is the global can't-miss fair for the seafood industry.
Since the ESE is the most prominent fair for the seafood sector and also considering the Europe as Sri Lanka’s key market, Sri Lanka has been participating regularly at this fair since 2007. The previous participations have brought tangible outcome for Sri Lanka’s fisheries export sector.
2013-05-26
Ayurveda Expo 2013, the international indigenous healthcare exhibition organised by the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) will be held at the BMICH from July 12 -14.
The exhibition is held for the fourth consecutive time in Sri Lanka in collaboration with the Ministry of Indigenous Medicine, Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Export Development Board.
The objective of the exhibition is to showcase the potential of Sri Lanka's indigenous medical sector and its products and services for the tourism industry.
Ayurveda 2013 Steering Committee Chairman Thilak Godamanna said many Sri Lankan and Indian organisations engaged in indigenous medical product manufacturing and services have already reserved stalls.
He said delegations from Japan, India, Germany, South Africa and China (Shanghai) have confirmed participation in the exhibition.
A Symposium on South Asian Traditional Medicine will be held on July 13 at the same venue, where world-renowned professionals in the sector will make presentations on the latest research findings in the sector.
