Sunday Sep 29, 2024
Sunday Sep 29, 2024
Wednesday, 25 September 2013 00:19 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
In his presidential address NCE President Dr. Jagath Pieris thanked Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce Anura Siriwardena for the valuable advice given to the export sector at all times and appreciated the time and space given to the NCE to discuss concerns with the ministry.
“During the last decade our members who started off as small scale exporters have now grown into large scale exporters. The past few budgets have benefited the export sector and in return we as exporters need to steer ahead to achieve the country’s growth rate goal of 10% within the next two years.
“To achieve this goal we need to add high value to our exports. Automation is the answer to the future of the export sector and it is necessary that we manufacture more goods by investing on machinery in return we will reach high end markets with quality value additions to our export goods,” Dr. Pieris said.
In his keynote address Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundera congratulated all the exporters present at the event and stated that this event has proved the strengths of all the NCE members who have overcome financial challenges with the outside world.
Touching base on the contribution within the last decade by the export sector Dr. Jayasundera stated: “In a world of extreme turmoil and a volatile environment our exporters have stood strong during the past 10 years and I encourage new members to join in NCE and flourish. At this special occasion I would like to quote from President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s message: ‘The rapid growth of the export sector is essential for speedy economic development in the post-conflict period, to enable the spread of the dividends of peace through new development strategies. Our exporters have responded to this need by strengthening Sri Lanka’s position in the global export sector, despite the many challenges they have to face in the markets of the West.’
“I appreciate the suggestions made by Dr. Pieris and encourage more dialogue between the NCE and me. However, I would also invite the NCE and its members to think constructively and productively on the concerns that are raised towards the Government. The export sector has performed well amidst the economic hardships in terms of GSP plus taxes while dealing with the European economy. But we need to consider that the Sri Lankan exporters are benefited with a highly knowledgeable workforce, who are conscious about the quality of the goods and services they produce. Our quality standards and certifications are on par with international quality assurance standards and we should be proud that all our export products are manufactured in eco-friendly environments. Moreover our export sector actively engages in corporate social responsibility projects, community development projects and are stakeholders of sharing the presidents vision of achieving the a 10% growth in the local economy. Our economic growth is justifiable by this awards ceremony itself since the NCE is hosting this event for the 21 years in a row.”
Speaking of the global economy and where Sri Lanka stands as a nation Dr. Jayasundera stated: “Though the global economy had suffered recession during the past 10 years Sri Lanka with its post-conflict war economy has managed to double its exports within a short period of time. Tea, coconut and rubber being the main export produces; in the recent past a diversified product range from fruits and vegetables, textile and garments, gem and jewellery, fibre-glass boats, processed foods such as confectionaries has added value and supported the growth of the economy.
“The entrepreneurial community in Sri Lanka has understood the importance of value addition to its products and services that are exported which in return has contributed the economic growth. As a community you have performed under difficult conditions and proven your strengths and capabilities. The Government of Sri Lanka has supported the exporters in many ways by lowering taxes, opening free ports, providing three-year depreciation for machinery and lowering the tax range on imported machinery. But we should also take measures to improve and build technologically advanced machinery locally and have the necessary skill and knowledge to man them so that we are sustaining the growth of our economy and empowering our entrepreneurs and workforce.”
The criteria for evaluations on this years awards were - Export Performance [Total value of exports (FOB), overall export growth, regular nature of markets], Market/Product Development (New markets/products, product diversification, market diversification), value addition (net value addition percentage, local raw material used percentage), effective management of marketing and capital (significance of business achievements to the company and country, effective management of funds, implementation of quality management systems), brand marketing (brand strategy, brand promotion, franchise) and innovation.
The National Chamber of Exporters Sri Lanka (NCE) was originally established as the National Exporters Association (NEA) in late 1986 on the initiative of the Founder President Patrick Amarasinghe. With the growth in membership, the NCE was incorporated on 18 July 1994 as the successor to the NEA.
The chamber has a membership of over 450 export-oriented member companies covering all products and most service sectors, as well as service providers to exporters. Member exporters of the chamber account for over half of Sri Lanka’s export earnings. The NCE provides the following services to exporters: Issue certificates of origin and related documents, conduct workshops and training programs, disseminate trade inquiries and provide trade information, publish the ‘Sri Lanka Exporter’ magazine, carry out trade promotions in international markets, service overseas trade representatives, issue special export certificates, conduct the annual export awards ceremony and link with international organisations.
Pix by Upul Abayasekara
