Industrial exports surpass $ 8 b mark in 2021

Industrial exports have surged 23% year-on-year (YoY) to $ 8.04 billion in 2021 despite COVID challenges, Export Zones Development State Minister D.V. Chanaka revealed yesterday.

“We are thankful to the export community for their resilience and dedication for delivering amazing results amidst a plethora of local and global challenges,” Chanaka told a meeting of investors in the Export Processing Zones (EPZ). 

In 2020 industrial exports amounted to $ 6.52 billion.

“Each employee and employer had to make exceptional sacrifices to collectively achieve over $ 8 billion revenue crucial for the economy,” he added.

He also pointed out that if the Government had extended lockdowns last year, not only the status of the companies, but also that of the economy would have been very vulnerable.

The State Minister outlined that the Government intends to boost trade and further develop exports through higher value-addition in line with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s vision.

EPZ Investors Association Secretary Dhammika Fernando said the Sri Lankan export community gained the trust of international customers for its quality and timely delivery even during the height of the COVID-19 outbreak.

BOI Executive Director (Zones) M. K.D. Lawrence, EPZ Investors Association President Jatinder Biala and Treasurer H.Z.M. Marusuk also attended the meeting.