NCE congratulates new President; seeks support on 10 issues to boost exports

The President of the National Chamber of Exporters (NCE), which exclusively serves and represents Sri Lankan exporters, who make up a vital sector of the economy, has sent a congratulatory message to new President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.   

In the message, the Chamber extends its fullest cooperation to the President to fulfill his work program for the country’s benefit.

The Chamber states that it is encouraged by the President emphasising that he will maintain security and law and order in the country as a basic need, since it is a vital necessity to achieve all the other economic objectives that have been highlighted in the manifesto related to his work program.   

The Chamber had submitted 10 major proposals to the main presidential aspirants. The Chamber had enclosed a copy of this document to the President along with its congratulatory message for his personal attention, since it would be useful for him when implementing his work program. 

The 10 major proposals made by the Chamber comprise a National Trade Policy, Taxation Policy, Shortage of Skilled Labour for Export-related Activities, Rationalising of the Number and Functions of Ministries, Control of Corruption, Political Stability, Security and Law and Order, Appointments to Heads of State Institutions, Tracking of Implementation of the Annual Budget Proposals and Measures to Control the Undesirable Activities of the Private Sector.

In the message sent to the President, the Chamber had also stressed that implementation of sound, consistent and predictable policies related to international trade, particularly exports, would be vital in creating a conducive business environment and attracting much-needed foreign and local investment to accelerate economic development through exports, buttressed by the implementation of a simple taxation system, which the President had mentioned in his previous pronouncements.     

The Chamber offered to elaborate on these proposals when it met with the President with a view to assist in the implementation of his work program.