Govt. targets twofold export increase within two years: Daya

• 2,500 cluster villages to be established island-wide
• 10 fishery zones, 23
• agricultural zones and 11
• industrial and technological zones to be established, targets 10,000 job opportunities
• Govt. focuses on more trade agreement with Asian countries

By Waruni Paranagamage

Minister of Primary Industries Daya Gamage on Friday stressed that the export income would be able to increase by twofold within the next two years by focusing on the export-oriented primary industries in the country.

Assuming his duties at ‘Govijana Mandiraya’, Ministry of Agriculture in Battaramulla, the Minster said that the Government would establish 2,500 cluster villages island-wide to promote export-oriented home gardening under the primary industries development plan.

He expressed that the 44 high production zones, which were to be established island-wide would support the villagers to export their primary products to the international market.

The Minster said that 10 fishery zones, 23 agricultural zones and 11 industry and technological zones had been planned to be established in order to generate 10,000 employment opportunities to the young generation in the country.

“We export 85% production from the local papers to India and they re-export the production to USA, Europe, Japan and Australia by adding value. But we should try to depend on ourselves and export value added agricultural products which have high potential to tackle the international market,” the Minister added.

He further asserted that the primary industries developing plan would be implemented by getting the support from the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Development Strategy and International Trade.

Pointing out the GSP+ concession the Minster said that the Government would able to take it back to the country by the beginning of next year.

“The GSP + concession would generate an additional Rs. 550 million export income to the country. We plan to go beyond the garments sector and export more than 300 items to the Europe Union (EU) in order to reap the benefits of GSP+. We further plan to enter to the trade agreements with India and China to tackle the Asian markets,” he added.

He further asserted that the collaboration of two political parties would boost the Government development plan.

The occasion was graced by the Deputy Minister of Petroleum and Petroleum Gas Anoma Gamage, ministerial secretaries and other distinguished guests.