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A ‘silver lining’ to a threatened industry Offshore Fish Farming in Trincomalee

2016-04-28

A ‘silver lining’ to a threatened industry Offshore Fish Farming in Trincomalee

If a dark cloud at present hangs over the dwindling local fisheries resources, Oceanpick (Pvt) Ltd has created a silver lining amid that general gloom, by developing Sri Lanka’s and South Asia’s first ever responsible, commercial scale oceanic farm for Finfish.

The Company unveiled its ‘Round Island’, oceanic fish farming brand on Monday at Eagles’ Golf Links, China Bay, Trincomalee marking Sri Lanka's bold entry into aquaculture farming in the open seas.

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Daily FT-MTI forum challenges Sri Lanka exports to think radical and quantum

2016-04-18

Daily FT-MTI forum challenges Sri Lanka exports to think radical and quantum

The Daily FT-MTI Thought Leadership Forum on Sri Lanka exports, titled ‘Sri Lanka’s Export Challenges,’ confronted the brutal reality of reasons behind Sri Lanka’s stagnant export growth, while evaluating its future with radical strategic options.

The well-attended forum saw a large number of industry leaders, exporters and investors. The forum featured a key presentation by MTI CEO Hilmy Cader on ‘Sri Lanka Exports — Confront Reality. Think Strategic. Or?’ which was highly commended by all stakeholders.

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Cinnamon training academy opens in Kosgoda

2016-04-07

Cinnamon training academy opens in Kosgoda

A purpose-built cinnamon training academy was inaugurated in Kosgoda on Tuesday to serve as a catalyst for heightened competitiveness in Sri Lanka's cinnamon sector at a global level.

A result of a unique public-private partnership between United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and World Trade Organization (WTO) Standard Trade Development Facility (STDF) project in cooperation with The Spice Council (TSC) of Sri Lanka.

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EDB Chief calls for collective approach to revive exports

2016-04-01

EDB Chief calls for collective approach to revive exports

Sri Lanka has been known all over the world for its tea, rubber, coconut and as of late for its apparel and information communication technology (ICT). But due to the grim global situation and increased competitor activity, the country’s export sector has moved towards a negative growth trajectory. While the dampened growth in Sri Lanka’s key export markets and competition are not the only causes for the lag, the challenges on the ground have contributed significantly to the dip. With the new regime taking over and promising better economic prosperity, the business community is yet to witness a revival. Mirror Business sat down with Export Development Board (EDB) Chairperson Indira Malwatte for an in-depth discussion on the strategies conceptualised to drive the export sector forward. The newly appointed chief gave a comprehensive view on the current situation, efforts taken and the challenges ahead in making Lankan exports the prime foreign exchange earner for the nation.

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Sri Lanka tea exports increase

2016-03-28

Sri Lanka tea exports increase

Sri Lanka tea exports showed a marginal increase in February according to Ceylon Tea Brokers PLC review.

Country wise analysis of exports shows that the Iraq has emerged as the largest export destination from Sri Lanka followed by Russia & Iran. More importantly cumulative exports to Turkey have dropped by 3.05 Mn/Kg (-50.06%) as against the same period last year.

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Globally tomatoes are growing on Sri Lankan growing media

2016-03-24

Globally tomatoes are growing on Sri Lankan growing media

The Japan farming industry has been changing, especially in the Tohoku region since the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. A trend towards less or no chemicals, protecting the environment, and creating the freshest flavors means working with technology while still incorporating a human touch. Tomato Land Iwaki does this with their massive greenhouses, and they are more than willing to give a you a peek--and a taste--inside.

The bueaty of it that all tomato plants are grown on coir slaps import excualisvly from Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan company by the name of Riococo exports more than 300,000 coir slabs and over one million seed raising coir starter blocks to the company.

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EU fisheries ban: Top Lankan team to visit Brussels

2016-03-18

EU fisheries ban: Top Lankan team to visit Brussels

Amidst exporters’ praise on government’s continued efforts to resolve the EU fishery ban, a top team of officials from Sri Lanka is now scheduled to depart for Brussels for decisive talks on the ban.

The Lankan team shall include members from the Prime Ministerial Task Force on the EU Fishery ban.

“A top Lankan delegation on the EU Fishery ban is scheduled to leave for Brussels on 30 March” revealed the Chairman of Seafood Exporters Association of Sri Lanka (SEASL) and Managing Director of Global Sea Foods, Prabhash Subasinghe on 17 March at EDB.

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First multilateral biz delegation to arrive in Colombo is from C’wealth

2016-03-10

First multilateral biz delegation to arrive in Colombo is from C’wealth

The first ever multilateral biz delegation to arrive in Sri Lanka is marshalled by the Commonwealth of Nations-and the nine-member pioneering team from the Commonwealth Businesswomen’s Network (CBN) that ar n women owned businesses. “This is the first time such a multilateral trade mission has come to Sri Lanka.

The C’wealth takes great pleasure in its pioneering endeavor to Sri Lanka and similar future missions to other C’wealth members are in offing” revealed Commonwealth Businesswomen’s Network (CBN) Executive Director Arif Zaman on 08 March in Colombo.

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Exporters Forum sees over 37 firms voicing issues

2016-03-02

Exporters Forum sees over 37 firms voicing issues

No less than 37 firms are voicing their issues at the eighth Exporters Forum that opened on 29 February.

The session, is presided by the State Minister of International Trade Sujeewa Senasinghe. The Exporters’ Forum is a multi-stakeholder platform to assist Lankan exporters. At the previous 7th Forum concluded successfully last November, 72 issues were taken up and 47 were resolved. Several policy related issues of seventh Forum are now being attended to. There has been significant progress in VAT and Quartz related issues that were raised in the seventh Forum.

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Ebay targets more export sellers from Sri Lanka as volumes grow

2016-02-18

Ebay targets more export sellers from Sri Lanka as volumes grow

Ebay said it had tied up with Sri Lanka's HelloCorp to bring in new sellers, as retail export sales form the island have started to grow, despite the lack of remittance services such as Paypal.

"We see a very huge opportunity for Sri Lanka in the cross border business," Latif Nathani, a Vice President at Ebay said.

There were already 3,000 sellers in Sri Lanka offering around 9000 items for sale, he said.

Top exports from Sri Lanka included gemstones, healthcare and natural remedies, handicrafts and men's clothing.

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International footwear and leather exhibition from Feb 5-7EDB, Rishad join forces for Lanka exports’ next big hit

2016-02-08

International footwear and leather exhibition from Feb 5-7EDB, Rishad join forces for Lanka exports’ next big hit

A top Cabinet Minister and Sri Lanka’s apex exports facilitator EDB joined forces on 05 February to create Sri Lanka exports’ next big win-and the bulk of Lankan footwear and leather exports are footwear, rather than leather.

“It is a great pleasure to see this series of exhibitions initiated by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in 2007, has today grown to an international level exhibition thanks to the commitment of my Ministry officials, the Exports Development Board, the IDB, and the footwear and leather sector of Sri Lanka” said Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen on 05 February in Colombo.

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International footwear and leather exhibition from Feb 5-7

2016-02-01

International footwear and leather exhibition from Feb 5-7

Local footwear and leather manufacturers need to be linked to global markets. This series of exhibitions is the best platform for the Lankan F&L sector to enter competitive global markets, said Addl. Director General, Development, EDB, Jeevani Siriwardena at the pre-event briefing on the International Footwear and Leather Expo.

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No foreign items in Colombo's int’l Footwear & Leather show

2016-01-28

No foreign items in Colombo's int’l Footwear & Leather show

In a new step to enhance the global reputation of Lankan Footwear & Leather (F&L) sector, Sri Lanka’s apex export facilitator EDB locked the presence of any imported F&L items at the forthcoming international Footwear and Leather (F&L) show to be held in Colombo in February, thereby greatly re-assuring the prospective Lankan F&L exhibitors.  Meanwhile, the international reception for the ongoing Colombo F&L series is such that prospective buyers from four countries already confirmed their arrival to EDB.

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Sri Lanka’s Rebirth

2016-01-25

Sri Lanka’s Rebirth

Sri Lanka has been deservedly praised for the progress it has made since the end of the war against the separatist Tamil Tigers in 2009. The economy has grown at an average annual rate of 6.7%, and education and health statistics are impressive.

All developing countries face myriad challenges, but this is especially the case for a country that has suffered an intense 30-year civil war. The government will need to set priorities; but success will require a comprehensive approach.

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Ceylon Tea exporters in for better times

2016-01-22

Ceylon Tea exporters in for better times

Sri Lankan tea exporters received much needed encouragement and Ministerial level assurance to resolve their travails –and with the involvement of a broad range of stakeholders in future.

 At a special meeting with the exporters at EDB held recently, State Minister of International Trade Sujeewa Senasinghe came forward to assist the tea exporters to resolve their pressing issues and to hold direct consultations with them on a regular basis. Interestingly, the idea of leveraging foreign made teas to strategically enhance Sri Lanka’s tea export goals and sustain its tea hub reputation came under in-depth discussion -with upbeat responses from exporters. Among the firms joining the discussion were Akbar Bros, George Steuart Teas Pvt Ltd, Jafferjee Bros Exports Ltd, and Imperial Tea.

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EDB-SLINTEC to enhance research & development access to Lankan exporters

2016-01-14

EDB-SLINTEC to enhance research & development access to Lankan exporters

The Export Development Board (EDB) signed a memorandum of understanding with the Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC) on 12th January, 2016 with the view to enhance research and development access to Sri Lanka’s exporters.

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EASL felicitates new EDB Chairman, hands over ‘Export Strategy Document’

2016-01-08

EASL felicitates new EDB Chairman, hands over ‘Export Strategy Document’

The Exporters Association of Sri Lanka, an affiliate of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, recently presented a strategy document to Indira Malwatte, Chairperson of the Export Development Board, outlining the issues faced by the exporters.

The document was handed over during a felicitation ceremony held by the EASL to Indira Malwatte, who was recently appointed as the new Chairperson of the EDB.

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Two IT parks for Pallekele and Achchuveli on the cards

2016-01-04

Two IT parks for Pallekele and Achchuveli on the cards

Sri Lanka would set two IT parks in Pallekele Export Processing Zone and the Achchuveli Industrial Zone Jaffna said Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade Malik Samarawickrama.

Speaking to employees of the Board of Investment(BOI), Department of Mahapola Trust, Department of Import and Exports and Export Development Board (EDB) last Friday he said that in addition new economic zones would be set up in Hambantota, Kuliyapitiya, Kilinochchi, Meerigama, Trincomalee and Avissawella. The existing zones in Kandy (Pallekele) and Mirigama would be redeveloped.

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EDB help for construction firms to expand overseas

2015-12-17

EDB help for construction firms to expand overseas

Sri Lanka Exports Development Board (EDB) will step up efforts to facilitate local construction companies to expand their services in Myanmar, EDB Chairperson and CEO Indira Malwatte said.

Under this initiative, the government hopes to employ more Sri Lankan engineers, quantity surveyors, graduates and others in the overseas construction services sector.

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President vows fullest support to boost exporters

2015-12-17

President vows fullest support to boost exporters

Putting a personal touch on efforts to bolster Sri Lanka’s exports President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday reaffirmed his stance to assist exporters assuring that his Government would leave no stone unturned in supporting foreign exchange earners.

Attending the Presidential Exports Awards held for the 21st time, following a four year hiatus. President Sirisena pointed out that encouragement is a must as foreign reserves in the country are drying up due to decreasing exports. He termed this downtrend a “point of national urgency.”

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