Dutch partner CSI joins hands with Tropical Green Exports

Tuesday, 18 May 2021 00:45 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Tropical Green Exports Managing Director Sheahan Arasaratnam and CSI’s Head Menno Keizer

Ceasar Sustainable Invest BV (CSI), recently announced its partnership with Tropical Green Exports, recognising the potential of the coconut substrate sector as a key economic driver in the North.

Tropical Green Exports Ltd. specialises in manufacturing, supply and distribution of export quality coco peat used in the hydroponics industry and as an alternate growth medium to soil. The global trend of the industry is indicative of positive growth with Sri Lanka at the forefront as a raw materials exporter.

At present, the company owns two plants within the Jaffna Peninsula and works closely with industry leaders. Once a single owner start-up, the Company is now powered by CSI, a Dutch investment company looking into sustainable business solutions.

Tropical Green Exports Managing Director Sheahan Arasaratnam, recalling his journey from being a corporate sector leader into a start-up enterprise owner, stated that it is an interesting time to be in an environment where early-stage startups and business incubation is challenging. However, he was encouraged by CSI’s move to invest in the company and saw it as being reflective of the robustness of sustainability-driven business initiatives.

CSI joins the company as a strategic partner who is able to supplement the startup capital and as an active stakeholder of the business by providing market access opportunities into Europe, the largest trading partner of Sri Lanka. He further added that the strong support of the Coconut Development Authority in providing guidance and assistance has been vital in becoming competitive in a relatively short span of time.

Commenting on the partnership CSI’s Head Menno Keizer added that the trade relations between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands have been long-standing and his personal ties with Sri Lanka predates many decades. He noted that the collaboration comes at a time that the global economy will rely on products and services that are looking to offer solutions to global issues, such as food security.

He added that supporting the SME sector through international collaborations and market access remains key to the export-oriented economy of Sri Lanka and called the partnership a step ‘towards mutual growth and collaboration’.

The management of the company has a strong commitment to enforcing policies supporting gender inclusion, disability inclusion, female participation in the labour force, and child education, which align with CSI.