Exporters Association praises Budget

The Exporters’ Association of Sri Lanka (EASL), which functions under the aegis of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, yesterday in a statement acknowledged with gratitude, the attention and encouragement accorded to exports, as reflected in the 2016 Budget presented by Ravi Karunanayake on Friday.

Its chairman Fazal Mushin thanked the Minister for the exporter friendly budget during an opportunity facilitated by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. 

He added that he was pleased to observe that several of the matters proposed by the EASL, which were submitted on the invitation of the Finance Ministry, had been addressed. 

The EASL is truly pleased to learn that the Export Development Council of Ministers will be restored to ensure successful implementation and effective monitoring of the country’s export strategy. It observes that the decision to restructure the BOI and the SLEDB in order to improve operational efficiency is most welcome whilst the proposed formulation of an “SME policy” and giving  specific  recognition  to  small and medium  non-traditional export sectors  such as fruits and vegetables, spices and allied products, ornamental fish, etc. will encourage entrepreneurs  to  engage  with the relevant  Government agencies, towards sustained growth and development. 

The EASL appreciates that Rome was not built in a day and likewise the implementation of all the elements proposed in the Budget will need determined, result-oriented people to develop them.  

It was also confident that the ambitious targets and timeframes would be achievable with the concerted efforts of both public and private sector organisations. The Exporters Association of Sri Lanka pledged its unstinted support and co-operation towards this effort.