President opens ‘Reflections of Sri Lanka’ for Commonwealth
Thursday, 14 November 2013 01:00
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Mega exposition of Sri Lanka’s prowessin trade, tourismand investment
President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday declared open ‘Reflections of Sri Lanka,’ the mega exhibition on that will run concurrently with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
The exposition opened at the Jana Kala Kendraya in Battaramulla will be held from 13 to 17 November.
The exposition is aimed at illustrating Sri Lanka’s capacity to easily integrate with global value chains. It will also highlight the country’s logistic capabilities, high knowledge base, and its dedication to international compliance standards encasing trade, tourism and investment opportunities in them.
‘Reflections of Sri Lanka’ is organised by the Ministry of Economic Development and Ministry of Industry and Commerce together with Export Development Board (EDB), Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and the Board of Investment (BOI).
The trade stalls showcase seven key sectors – tea, apparel, gem and jewellery, spices, food, rubber, products and ICT/BPO.
According to Minister of Industry and Commerce, 660 local and international exhibitors and more than 800 potential buyers from 31 countries have confirmed their participation in the event.
Another 81 foreign companies as machinery and hi-tech equipment exhibitors from key hotspot markets such as China, India and Germany will participate.
The EDB has chosen 300 exporters to showcase their products in 355 stalls while 200 export-oriented SMEs have been allocated 100 stalls in the vicinity under a separate SME sector corridor.
Foreign representatives of importers from 70 countries are set to attend the event, providing the opportunity for potential exporting parties to attract potential investors, according to the Economic Development Ministry.
Buyers are expected from India, China, Canada, UK, UAE, Iran, Philippines, Egypt, Pakistan, Singapore and Seychelles, with buyer delegations with national representation expected from China, India, South Africa and Iran.
Around 700 registered foreign participants of the Commonwealth Business Forum are expected to take part in the expo.
An estimated 2,500 foreign nationals will attend the exhibition, making it one of the largest crowds ever to attend, the Economic Development Ministry said.
The event, which will be held on a nine-acre land, has instigated an informative and visible array of Sri Lanka’s main crops adjacent to its relevant featuring stall in the form of a mini tea plantation, coconut, cinnamon and other spices, Ayurvedic herbs, rubber, etc.
The site will be preserved continuously after the conclusion of the exposition.
Pix by Sameera Wijesinghe
