FCCISL Forum opens doors for investment in Jaffna

Widening huge business potential in post war Jaffna, the Jaffna International Trade Fair was successfully concluded on 23 January. 

Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services (Pvt) Ltd, in association with the Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Yarlpanam, Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL), and with the support of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau organised the second annual Jaffna International Trade Fair at the grounds in front of Subramaniam Park, adjoining Durayappah Stadium in Jaffna from 21-23 January, 2011.

The Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Ashok K. Kantha inaugurated the event with the participation of Governor of Northern Province Major General G.A Chandrasiri, President of FCCISL Tissa Jayaweera, Indonesian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Abbar Hussain and officials from Northern Province.

Over 45 Indian companies representing National Small Industrial Corporation (NSIC) and State of Kerala participated showcasing various machinery, equipment, and useful products for agro-based and food processing industries.

Business delegations from The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) were also present at the fair. Delegates from Indonesia and Malaysia also graced the occasion.

Speaking at the event, the Indian High Commissioner stated that the indication of the high priority attached to the region was evident with India coming as the partner country for the second consecutive year and also the growing interest in developing businesses in Jaffna among the Indian business community was clearly seen with the major participation of Indian businessmen at the fair. 

The highlight of the fair was the two and a half day Investor Forum organised by FCCISL with the focus on SMEs development in the Northern Province, directed towards investment opportunities in Northern part of Sri Lanka following the end of the North and East conflict. 

The forum created a platform for diversified companies, service providers and many other traders those looking for investment opportunities and expansions to meet at one venue. An excellent programme was formulated to provide SMEs in Jaffna with a good basic knowledge on important business topics in order to enhance and further develop their business capacity.

The topics discussed ranged from Economic & Business Environment in Northern Province, Potential Investment Opportunities in Northern Province on agriculture, fisheries/aquatic, travel/tourism, dairy, animal husbandry and industrial sectors. Financial and Credit Tools for Investment & Business development was another topic discussed.

Land purchasing opportunities, its concerns and laws in the Northern Province and role, functions and services delivered by public sector institutions in Northern Province in respect of investment and business development, Export opportunities in the province and market requirements, finishing and packaging aspects of products were the other topics discussed at the Forum.

K. Poornachandran, President, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Yarlpanam, A. R. Jeyamanon Senior Deputy Director, BOI Jaffna region, Regional Managers/related officials from Commercial Bank, HNB, NDB and People’s Bank, Registrar of Lands, a representative of the Land Commissioner of the District Secretariat Jaffna,  Government Agent of Jaffna, Director - SME Development and Deputy Director of the National Packaging Centre of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board were among the resource persons.

Members of the high-profile business delegation from Colombo, numbering around 20, whose visit to the fair was facilitated by FCCISL and Indian delegates also participated at the Investor Forum. All resource persons created a lot of enthusiasm amongst the participants and the sessions were very interactive. The conclusion of each presentation was followed by a Q/A session where participants responded in a very positive manner.

Furthermore, the delegates were afforded the opportunity to conduct one-to-one business meetings with their counterparts from the North.  Another feature of the Jaffna International Trade Fair was the “Business Consultancy” programme arranged by Small and Medium Enterprise Developers (SMED) directed towards the business community participated at the Trade Fair.