Jaffna International Trade Fair, an opportunity to reap benefits from emerging north

The Jaffna International Trade Fair (JITF 2017), the largest consumer exhibition and trade fair in the fast-growing northern region of Sri Lanka, will be held from 27 to 29 January for the eighth consecutive year, with all arrangements in place to make it a great success for private and public sector companies, suppliers, buyers/procurers, academics, students and the general public.

The event aptly named ‘Gateway to the North’ will be held at Jaffna Municipal Council Grounds.

The exhibition is widely accepted as a ‘must-attend’ in the event calendar of all stakeholders in the supply chain and in the procurement process. The exhibition comprises both local and international stalls catering to a diverse variety of needs and services. In 2016 the event attracted an audience of over 60,000 visitors. It is considered the single most focal point for a wide spectrum of investors and citizens.

Co-Founder Chairman of JITF and Past President, Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Yarlpanam – K. Pooranachandran says that this major event would be a great opportunity for business personnel to get involved in Jaffna development activities because there are major infrastructure development opportunities coming up in the Jaffna region shortly.

He said the massive infrastructure development currently underway in the region has paved way for many investment opportunities in the region for those who saw the potential at an early stage.” Still, a lot more new opportunities are there for others who would like to take the initiative,” he says.

“Joint ventures, tie- ups, large orders have been the highlights of business matchmaking between the people from the south and north,” Pooranachandran said.

According to JITF Project Manager Imalka Mullegama, more than 300 booth-holders will exhibit more than 1,000 products to meet the demands of over 60,000 visitors from across the country.

The event will offer many attractions for visitors of all ages which includes an amusement park for children, all types of food and beverage, hawker type food courts and special discounts on over 1000 products.  An hourly raffle draw will bring exciting prizes. Further, the event will provide free health check-ups and beauty consultant sessions.

Visiting students will be provided with valuable information about scholarships offered by leading institutes by directing them to necessary seminars and workshops. The special higher education pavilion will also have an hourly raffle draw to offer exiting prizes.

A special 75-member delegation from India will be visiting the event to explore the trade and investment opportunities. This delegation is sponsored and hosted by ASSOCHAM of India (The Associated Chamber of Commerce in India).

The region’s roads, electricity, bridges and all other core- facets are currently being developed as the Government endeavors to ensure the region is on par with many of the most potent business and lifestyle destinations in the world.

The exhibition will feature the construction industry, hospitality industry, food, beverage and packing industry, automobile industry, ICT industry, financial services, apparel and textile, agricultural, consumer goods and many others, which will be on show during the three days.

The organisers have planned many concurrent events during the 2017 edition, some of the highlights will include, a two-day musical evening with popular artists, a road show prior to the expo, a children’s carnival and amusement park among other things. 

As the event is considered the one stop shop, many companies have come forward to assist by way of sponsorships. Co-Sponsor of this event is S-Lon Lanka Ltd. Mobitel come forward as the Official Telecommunication Partner, Official Beauty Care Partner is 4Ever Skin Naturals Ltd., Official Footwear Partner is D. Samson & Sons Ltd., Official Processing Machinery and Equipment Supplier is Industrial Stainless Steel Fabrications Ltd., Official Healthcare Partner is Lanka Hospitals, Official Interior Partner is Idea Imports and Exports Ltd., Official Machinery & Power Tools Partner is Deen Brothers Imports Ltd., Official Power Generation Partner is Strategical Trends Company Ltd.

JITF 2017 is being organised by Lanka Exhibition & Conference Services Ltd. (LECS) in association with the Chamber of Commerce & Industries of Yarlpanam (CCIY) with the support of Jaffna Municipal Council, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau and International Business Council. The event is endorsed by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Consulate General of India in Jaffna and National Chamber of Exporters.