Expo Bazaar 2011 in April

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), the apex institution for promotion and development of exports in realisation of the accelerated development for export trade on par with other development activities, has taken all necessary measures to ensure development projects.

The major strategy adopted by EDB is the implementation of its strategic plan for 2011-2015 with a target of US$ 15 billion by 2015.

It is highly significant that the export trade has made an invaluable contribution to the social and economic development of the nation. The vision for the future under the national policy based on the ‘Mahinda Chinthana’ emphasises the pivotal role played by the export sector as an essential ingredient in the development of export trade of the country.

The performance of 2010 exports was encouraging as the year end statistics reveal a remarkable improvement compared to 2009. The total exports from Sri Lanka in 2009 and 2010 were US$ 7.1 billion and US$ 8.3 billion respectively, with an overall increase of 17.26 per cent.

Chairman and CEO of EDB Janaka Ratnayake said that the US$ 8.3 billion was the highest figure since the country declared independence.

In recognition of new strategic interventions, EDB most appropriately arrived at a decision to organise an Expo Bazaar, the first of a series, during this year. The first Expo Bazaar is scheduled to be held from 8-10 April, just before the Sinhala New Year, at Green Path, Colombo 7.

The main objective of the Expo Bazaar is to embolden leading exporters to demonstrate their capabilities and contribution towards the national economy with the production of high quality products and services that are offered to the international market.

Ratnayake explained that the Expo Bazaar would enable the general public to see and buy some of the high quality products that Sri Lanka exports.

Expo Bazaar 2011 will be conducted under the patronage of Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishard Bathiudeen. It is scheduled to be conducted every year.

This will be the first ever event to bring together leading exporters associated with strategic export sectors such as apparel, tea, rubber, footwear and leather products, information communication technology, business process outsourcing, knowledge process outsourcing, gem and jewellery, food and beverage, spices, allied products coconuts, coir based products, fish and fishery products, fruits and vegetables, boat building, ceramic and other mineral products, giftware and lifestyle products, handloom, wooden products, spa and herbal products, ornamental fish and floriculture, plastics and paints to showcase their export products, product lines and new innovations on one platform.

Expo Bazaar 2011 envisages around 150 stalls at Green Path where the layout of the exhibition will feature its unique visibility, with the intention of attracting around 20,000 visitors daily.