Export Bazaar to attract 40, 000 locals

By Cheranka Mendis

With exports being a hot topic in the Sri Lankan economic context, the EDB is all set to host the much publicised Expo Bazaar from 8-10 April at the Green Path Colombo. The road side exhibition and trade fair has been organised targeting a larger audience.

Export Development Board Chairman Janaka Ratnayake stated that 150 stalls will be on display at the event featuring local exporters of every avenue in trade from apparel, plantation, ICT/ BPO to gem and Jewellery, spice, vegetables and fruits and coir based products. Stalls displaying export items relating to boat building, ceramic and other mineral based products, giftware, wooden products, spa, herbal and lifestyles products, ornamental fish and plastic paints will also be available to browse through.

Rathnayake stated that a large number of exporters from major ones to small scale ones will display their products at the fair. Among the big names that is supposed to partake in the event are Brandix, MAS, Hidaramani from the apparel sector, Akbar brothers and Dilmah from tea, Zam Gems from gem and jewellery, SLASSCOM from IT, Nestle from food and beverages and many others were put forward.

 “We are determined to showcase all sectors under exports going by our strategic plan on improving all sectors. We want to create an opportunity for small holders to gain knowledge by seeing the big players move and interacting with them,” Ratnayake said. Presently Sri Lanka has over 1500 exporters exporting 4000 products among which 550 exporters have made it big in the international world. He noted that the target audience expectation is 40, 000.

Key objectives hosting the Bazaar was said to be to create opportunity to display products and services of exporters, create opportunity for locals to gain knowledge and look and feel of exports, stimulate a positive export culture among entrepreneurs and providing an opportunity for the public to buy export quality products.

The stalls are given at a fee of Rs. 40, 000 and Rathnayake assures that no revenue is expected out of the event. “This would also act as a launching pad for Expo 2012 which will be held March 2012 attracting some 2000 local and international buyers and sellers.