NCE takes the lead in export promotion at Dubai Expo 2020

• Invites Sri Lankan exporters to exploit this platform to create awareness of their products and services 

For the first time at an international ‘World Expo’ event, the promotion of Sri Lankan products and services is to be organised by the National Chamber of Exports of Sri Lanka (NCE), which will be taking the initiative to put together a special event from 17-20 February at the Dubai Expo 2020. The standalone Trade Exhibition named ‘Sri Lanka Export Brands’ will be housed in a separate exhibition Hall – B1 North EXPO 2020 – at the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC).

The DEC is excellently located just 300 metres from the heart of the Expo 2020 Dubai site and is a state-of-the-art multipurpose venue spread across 45,000 sqm. 

The DEC is designated for special events only and away from country pavilions. It is estimated that approximately 78 booths will be available for Sri Lankan exporters to display their products and services to the Middle Eastern and African Markets. The Sri Lankan pavilion has been designed to accommodate the successful conduct of business. The NCE has launched a comprehensive marketing campaign in the above regions with the support of Sri Lankan embassies, trade chambers, business councils and also contacting leading business houses. As the event is coinciding with the Gulf Food Exhibition, it is envisaged that many potential customers from the rest of the world too will patronise the Sri Lankan Pavilion. To facilitate the exhibitors, NCE has partnered with a leading Sri Lankan commercial bank, airline and hotel, to provide financial assistance, discounted airfares and hotel accommodation. This will be an all-inclusive opportunity for Sri Lankan exporters who are looking to expand their markets.    

As value added services to benefit the exhibitors the NCE has coordinated the following:

n Corporate Credit Card to cover the expenses (Up to Rs. 1 million) to be paid on 0% on 12 months’ instalments – offered by HNB, the Official Banking Partner

n Special discounted rates for hotel and airfare – by Sri Lankan Airlines

n Excess Luggage Allowance up to 40 kg – by Sri Lankan Airlines 

The event is organised exclusively by the NCE to showcase Sri Lankan export products and services. The event is expected to be an ideal platform for Sri Lanka to create awareness among prospective buyers and consumers, regarding the range of product and service offerings in the country. 

During the past one and a half years due to the COVID-19 impact, Sri Lankan exporters were faced with many hurdles in reaching their markets and especially finding new buyers as overseas travel was restricted. The Dubai Expo and the Sri Lankan Export Brand Exhibition is expected to be the ideal opportunity for them to get back in play and reach potential international buyers. 

The NCE has already commenced an aggressive marketing campaign where the chamber has coordinated with the Sri Lankan missions in the Gulf region. The Sri Lankan missions will create awareness of the event and invite potential buyers to visit the ‘Sri Lanka Export Brands’ exhibition. The NCE is coordinating with trade chambers and associations in the Gulf region, where they have invited their members to visit the event. 

As per the live event dates, a Thursday and a Friday is also included where it is expected that regional visitors and many UAE nationals will visit the event. Further, Sri Lankan professionals in the UAE will be invited to visit the event. The NEC will also be coordinating with the Sri Lankan Dubai Business Council, which they hope will create awareness of the event among their business contacts. 

The NCE will also be creating a digital catalogue highlighting all exhibitors and it will be shared with all relevant stakeholders.