Second Jaffna International Trade Fair in January

The second Jaffna International Trade Fair 2011(JITF) is organised by Lanka Exhibition & Conference Services (Pvt) Ltd, a Presidential Award Winning Company in collaboration with the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka.

The annual International Trade fair this year is themed as “Open for Business” due to the tremendous growth in Jaffna with the developments being implemented and is now ready for business. JITF is organised in association with the Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Yarlpanam supported by the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau. JITF is scheduled to be held from 21-23 January 2011 at the Durayappah Stadium, Jaffna.

This landmark fair illuminates a turning point in the development of the North with the current re-building of infrastructure. The purpose of holding this fair once again is to strengthen and bridge trade links between the North and the rest of Sri Lanka. With the opening up of the main A9 highway re-linking the North and South, the revival of the Jaffna economy has gradually boomed. Jaffna, rapidly emerging as the major market for all industries, the exhibition will be the most comprehensive gateway for all sectors to come together and witness restructuring that is taking place in the North. JITF ensures the creation of a platform for entrepreneurs and manufacturers to build up their business relationships, by strengthening their connections. Companies can expand their businesses and will have an opportunity to analyse the market first hand. Jaffna is aggressively pursuing partnerships and business plans with the entire world as it is expected to dominate the world trade in the years to come.

Reflecting this optimism, the current trade fair invites a massive number of booths covering an extensive range of products and services across a wide section of industries such as building, construction, interiors, hospitality trade, processed food and agriculture, food and beverages, packaging, machinery, cosmetics and beauty products, electrical appliances, electronics, fabrics and garments, gifts and toys, glassware, handicrafts, hardware and tools, health and hygiene, home appliances, industrial products, sanitary ware, stationery etc. Adyapana-Kalvi Jaffna – Higher Education and Career exhibition series held in Colombo and Kandy has also taken a path to Jaffna. Concurrently held with JITF, Adyapana-Kalvi Jaffna will invite local, international institutes and universities to showcase the scope and demand in the education industry.  Like previous years foreign delegation of exhibitors will be seeking maximum possible exposure due to the demand in the ‘post war’ scenario. The organisers are also planning to work together to have investor forums to develop Jaffna.

The Jaffna public’s per capita income is exceptionally high as they are self sufficient in spite of getting a lot of foreign remittances from relatives. Interested in re-investing these funds JITF will best thread together the long awaited trade gap ensuring Jaffna to become a bustling centre for commerce in the country. With the Board of Investment, Sri Lanka Export Development Board, and Banks opening up branches in Jaffna, JITF will be the driving force to re-unite the business community hailing from all parts of the Island. By being a part of JITF 2011, entrepreneurs can reach a large number of proportions of the growing Northern market in a short time span. Previously attracting over 30,000 visitors JITF has drawn in huge players in all industries with over 300 stalls from over 200 companies making it the first and largest exhibition hosted in Jaffna.

This year blue chip companies such as Diesel & Motor Engineering Plc and Ceylon Cold Stores have already come aboard JITF 2011 as valued sponsors. With literally hundreds of industrialists expected from all industries, visitors can see, try and build new business opportunities and fresh trade links expanding their spectrum for future development, all offered under one roof. To help MICE tourism the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau has looked at a convention and exhibition centre which is proposed to be built in Araly to host exhibitions of this magnitude. The organisers surely have proved in the past and are geared to host an exhibition of this magnitude in Jaffna.

This is a tremendous opening for anyone seeking opportunity in the North. Let JITF 2011 be your guide to a great time of trade when Jaffa is now ‘Open for Business’