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Monday, 21 October 2019 00:25 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Sri Lanka officially announced its participation at the Expo 2020 Dubai and launched a dedicated website (www.expo2020srilanka.lk), with major plans to enhance the country’s exports and image on a global scale.
The official website was launched by the Ambassador of UAE in Sri Lanka Ahmed Ali Ibrahim Al Mualla, Development Strategies and International Trade Deputy Minister Nalin Bandara, and Export Development Board (EDB) Chairperson Indira Malwatte, at the EDB on Thursday (17 October).
The user-friendly browsing experience provides useful information about products and services on the website, with direct links to all major categories of Expo 2020 and the online registration facilities. 
Expo 2020 Dubai is slated to be the most diverse expo in the world, with plans to attract over 25 million visitors where 70% will be international, to showcase the best of the products from over 200 countries. It is scheduled be held for 173 days (nearly six-months) from 20 October 2020 to 10 April 2021 and spreads across a land area of 438 hectares, located midway between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
With dedicated pavilions allocated for each individual country, Sri Lanka too will have its own exhibition area under the sub-theme ‘Opportunity’ and will be branded under the title ‘Island of Ingenuity’.
Sri Lanka’s ‘assisted pavilion’ spanning over 212 square metres, which would otherwise cost Rs.600 million, was provided by the Government of UAE, and will be designed by students of the Department of Integrated Design of the Faculty of Architecture of University of Moratuwa. The Government of Sri Lanka signed the official participation contract with the Dubai Expo 2020 Bureau on 8 July.
Speaking at the event, EDB Chairperson Indira Malwatte expressed confidence that Expo 2020 Dubai will contribute to achieving the Government’s ‘Vision 2025’ by supporting the growth of tourism, stimulating the development of innovative businesses, and enhancing the country’s international reputation as a location to do business.
She also stressed that it is the first time that Sri Lanka has sought Cabinet approval to participate in an international expo as a public-private partnership. Sri Lanka’s participation at the event is being spearheaded by the EDB together with the public and private stakeholders, ensuring the effective implementation of the project.
“Expo 2020 Dubai will be an ideal platform for Sri Lanka to showcase the best of Sri Lanka’s products and services, and to create much needed business links with the rest of the world,” she added.
Malwatte also noted this will be an ideal opportunity for highly talented Sri Lankan professionals and academics who have managed to bring glory to the country in their respective fields, to represent the country and promote products and services at the expo.
She said Sri Lanka’s pavilion will outline the country’s rich portfolio of offerings, as well as promote it as an export hub driven by innovative products and services, prioritising the identified focused areas in the National Export Strategy (NES).
Given the magnitude and the global attention, world renowned Sri Lankan personalities Mahela Jayawardena, Kumar Sangakkara and Peter Kuruwita were also appointed as brand ambassadors for the Expo 2020 Dubai.
Ambassador of UAE in Sri Lanka Ahmed Ali Ibrahim Al Mualla said Expo 2020 Dubai will showcase the world’s greatest human achievements, superior quality products and services under one roof.
“The event will have two sessions with the participation of Head of the State, Sri Lankan brand ambassadors and other distinguished personals. It will be a celebration like no other,” he added.
Ambassador Mualla also stated that Sri Lanka will be a key partner in Expo 2020 Dubai.
Representing the private sector, the National Chamber of Exporters (NCE) Secretary General and CEO Shiham Marikar pointed out that 26 sectors have already pledged to come on board, representing export services, industrial products and agricultural products.
“We are expecting around 30 sectors to participate during the six month period,” he added.
He said public sector giants Sri Lanka Tea Board, Board of Investment (BOI) and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) have already secured space in the Sri Lankan pavilion for the six-month period.
Marikar also said six sub-committees has been appointed and will be co-chaired by private and public sector officials, while the EDB acts as the focal point.
In addition, he said the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), NCE, Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL), Ceylon Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (CCC), the National chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL), Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE) and the Exporters Association of Sri Lanka (EASL) has also pledged their support.
It was also noted that there will be a retail opportunity for Sri Lankan products under the World Market Initiative Program, where participants have the opportunity to showcase their ethical and unique products, whilst also supporting low-income earning individuals, families, and communities. The selected product categories include Ayurvedic and Spa Products, Ceylon Tea, Apparel, Ceylon Spices and Allied Products, Food and Beverages, Handicrafts, Costume Jewellery, Giftware and Lifestyle and Handloom, Batik, and Beeralu (Crochets /Lace). (CdS)
Pix by Shehan Gunasekara
