How Sri Lanka should look at exports in the current situation

Sunday, 6 December 2020 23:02 -     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Dr. Pradeep Edward 


Dr. Pradeep Edward 


 

 

Current situation is a disaster of global scale as an unknown has begun to affect the world. Globalised, human connectivity has led to spread the virus faster than ever before. Businesses have to balance their existence in a world where close contact is not possible. But man is a social animal living in a world of social contacts.

Export value chains are full of contacts from production to export. They are produced, prepared, transported and shipped in environments of different risk levels. Risk level is high at all levels and trained personnel have to be placed at all the major steps, which is almost impossible. No real adjustments are available as all markets are in trouble and all export media is operating with limited options. Continue with what we have and can export, is the best strategy as market needs have not changed, though volumes may have changed.

It is possible to export within quarantine and limited transport facility as markets of the developed rich world are still open as they have better resistance to disaster through high levels of healthcare facilities, social support and cultural responses. There cases may be high but with wealth their adjustment levels are also high.

Our only option is to maintain traditional exports as much as we can and plan for any other exports which may arise from new look-inward policy. It is time to accept that global environmental change will construct more disaster situations and the system has to plan and include procedures for future scenarios.

Garment – Continue the present production, but pay attention to proper health procedures. Present status is at a high-risk level but strict adherence to health guidelines can limit exposure to spread of disease. Inter-factory transfer should be strictly controlled and quarantine procedures have to be observed. 

Time saved from low or limited production can be utilised for research and development and restructuring. 

Spices – Collection system is weak and monopolistic, which marginalises the small producer. This prevents the micro-scale home garden producer to continue production as they are unable to secure a fair price. This is the time for research and development of strategies to provide support for micro-scale producer.

Tea – Value addition should be continued as tea is recognised as a drink supporting immunity. Proper sanitary methods have to be employed in the industry as to prevent and large incursions into plantations.

Health products – Health products are recognised as valuable in developing immunity and research and development has to be enhanced to produce easy to use products. All the above require a national strategy and a strategic plan, which has to be constructed immediately as a national policy. 


(The writer is TMC Colombo Chairman and Asia Marketing Federation Secretary General.)


 

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