Jaffna International Trade Expo in January 2017

Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister of  Industry and Commerce addressing the media during a press meet organised by Jaffna International Trade fair at Hotel Ramada. Kosala Wickmanayake, Co-Founder Chairman JIFT, K.Pooranachandran, Former President Chamber of Commerce and Indistries of Yarlpanam, V.K Vignesh, Chairman of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of  Yarlpanam,Arjun Dharmadasa, Managing Director, Lanka Exhibition and Conferences Services Ltd, Ashim Mukhtar, CEO Lanka Exhibition and Conferences Services Ltd, Husnie Rauf, GM Lanka Exhibition and Conferences Services Ltd, Shalini Navaratne, Business Development Manager S-Lon Lanka Ltd, Vishani Sooriyarachchi, Manager Brand and Activations 4Ever Skin Naturals Ltd, Eranga Nilhan, Business Development manager Industrial Stainless Steel Fabrications Ltd. Nimal S. Ratnayake, Chief marketing Officer Lanka Hospital Corporation PLC, Rizwan Hafeel, Business Development manager, Deen Brothers Imports Ltd, Pradeep Gunawardena, Chairman Strategical Trends Company Ltd, Jude Sila, Senior Manager Channel Communications Mobitel Ltd were also present - Pic by Gitika Talukdar

Largest trade fair and international exhibition in the north!

The northern region of Sri Lanka will welcome once again for the 8th consecutive year, the Jaffna International Trade Fair (JITF 2017). This mega-event is considered by the people in the north, as the largest exhibition and consumer fair. The exhibition takes place from 27-29 January 2017 at the Municipality Grounds in Jaffna. 

JITF 2017 is organised by Lanka Exhibition & Conference Services ltd (LECS) in association with the Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Yarlpanam (CCIY) with the support of Jaffna Municipal Council, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau and International Business Council. The event is endorsed by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Consulate General of India in Jaffna and National Chamber of Exporters.

The exhibition, which has grown to be a ‘must-attend’ event for citizens, businessman, traders and entrepreneurs of the north, will be held at the Municipal Grounds in Jaffna. The trade fair comprises both local and international stalls, catering to a diverse variety of needs and services. In 2016 the event attracted an audience of over 60,000 visitors. It is considered the single most focal point for a wide spectrum of investors and citizens. The massive infrastructure development currently underway in the region has also paved way for many investment opportunities in the region which could not be afforded previously. A special 75 member delegation from India will be visiting the event to look at opportunities and investment. This delegation is sponsored and hosted by The Associated Chamber of Commerce (ASSOCHAM) in India.

The regions, roads, electricity, bridges and all other core facets are currently being developed in the Government’s endeavor to ensure the region is on par with many of the most potent business and lifestyle destinations in the world. The exhibition will feature the construction industry, hospitality industry, food, beverage and packing industry, automobile industry, ICT industry, financial services, apparel and textile, agricultural, consumer goods and many others, which will be on show during the three days.

The event is termed ‘Gateway to the north’. Joint ventures, tie-ups and large orders have been the highlights of business matchmaking between the people of the south and north. 

The organisers have planned many concurrent events during the 2017 edition, some of the highlights will include a two-day musical evening with popular artists, a road show prior to the expo, a children’s carnival and amusement park and much more. As the event is considered a one-stop-shop, many companies have come forward to assist by way of sponsorships. Co-sponsoring this event is S-Lon Lanka ltd. Mobitel is the Official Telecommunication Partner, the Official Beauty Care Partner is 4Ever Skin Naturals ltd, the Official Footwear Partner is D. Samson & Sons ltd., the Official Processing Machinery and Equipment Supplier is Industrial Stainless Steel Fabrications ltd., the Official Healthcare Partner is Lanka Hospitals, the Official Interior Partner is Idea Imports and Exports ltd., the Official Machinery and Power Tools Partner is Deen Brothers Imports ltd., the Official Power Generation Partner is Strategical Trends Company ltd.