President vows fullest support to boost exporters

Thursday, 17 December 2015 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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President Maithripala Sirisena

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By Shehana Dain

Putting a personal touch on efforts to bolster Sri Lanka’s exports President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday reaffirmed his stance to assist exporters assuring that his Government would leave no stone unturned in supporting foreign exchange earners.

Attending the Presidential Exports Awards held for the 21st time, following a four year hiatus. President Sirisena pointed out that encouragement is a must as foreign reserves in the country are drying up due to decreasing exports. He termed this downtrend a “point of national urgency.”

“The situation of our foreign reserves is a well-known. Export performance has rapidly deteriorated during the past couple of years and I must assure you that as a Government we are working to resolve this issue with a knowledgeable team.

We admire the job exporters do for our country and the Government will provide you with every incentive to boost exports. Mutual understanding between the Government and private sector at all times is vital for the external sector to flourish.

For this we will look into all the persisting issues exporters are currently facing that hamper their growth and try our best to give solutions. ” he noted.

The President also advised the relevant export oriented associations to guide exporters with expertise and keep them abreast of market trends. “There are a many exporters who actively assist us to increase our foreign reserves. It’s very important that we strengthen this base further, give them technological support and educate them so that they will be well informed about the technical knowledge and strategies,” he added.

Moreover he urged the export fraternity to look into producing more diversified products which the global market is demanding.

“At a time where entrepreneurial economics is growing globally, we are stuck in conventional systems. While traditional manufacturing requires attention we should aim to manufacture products the new world, society and man requires.”