NCE delegation visits Japan for business promotion
Thursday, 12 March 2015 00:15
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The National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE), the only private sector chamber which exclusively serves Sri Lankan exporters, led a business delegation to Tokyo from 23 to 28 February. The delegates represented various product sectors and was led by NCE President Sarada De Silva and NCE Secretary General Shiham Marikar.
The companies which comprised the delegation were Blue Diamond Jewellery Worldwide PLC, Faga Tyres Ltd., LAUGFS Corporation (Rubber) Ltd., PRIPA Organic Colombo Ltd., Uniceyl Marketing Services Ltd. and Kalhari Enterprise.
The NCE coordinated with the Sri Lankan Mission in Tokyo with regard to arrangements for meetings for the delegates.
The delegation met with the relevant trade chambers and other associations in Japan. Apart from the meetings, the delegates also met with end users of their product lines to explore business development.
The Manufactured Imports Promotion Organisation (MIPRO) conducted a seminar especially for the delegates focusing on how to effectively access the Japanese market. The seminar was valuable for delegates who are looking to set up business in Japan.
The officials of MIPRO also made available a booklet titled ‘Guide to Safety Assurance for Products imported to Japan,’ which is very useful for exporters who are looking at Japan as a potential market. This booklet is available at the NCE and anyone interested may contact the Chamber.
The delegates met with the Japan Rubber Importers Association and insights were provided regarding the rubber industry in Japan.
The delegates had the opportunity to visit the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The officials of the Tokyo Chamber conducted a half-day session, at which details of their program to assist SMEs in Japan were provided. This program energises both SME entrepreneurs and the local economy where the entrepreneur runs his business. It also provides financial support, and consultancy services.
The delegates also met with the officials of the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO). The NCE had had initial discussions with the Sri Lanka office of JETRO during the planning stage of the visit of the delegation.
The JETRO office in Sri Lanka had carried out a survey on the needs and strategies for Japan-Sri Lanka business. The survey had identified the opportunities Sri Lanka has related to the investment environment and promising business models and also issues which need to be resolved.
One of the key strengths identified through this survey was the political and social stability in Sri Lanka and the high quality of workers. However the Secretary General of the NCE pointed out that Sri Lankan enterprises face constraints to source skilled labour. In this connection it was proposed that JETRO organises an inward delegation to Sri Lanka with a view to promote technology transfer between the two countries to facilitate trade.
NCE President Sarada De Silva, who is also the past Chairman of the Spice Council of Sri Lanka, met with officials of the All Nippon Spice Council in Tokyo. NCE Secretary General/CEO Marikar also participated at this meeting.
The officials discussed the various issues related to developing the spice sector, and outlined various methods for joint collaboration related to programs that could benefit the industry in both countries.
All delegates met with the officials of associations mentioned above on a one-to-one basis as well with the view to ensuring their company profiles, and product ranges reach the members of the respective associations.
The NCE has invited the associations they have met to visit Sri Lanka. The invitation has been accepted and the NCE proposes to organise meetings with its members during their visits to Si Lanka.
Companies interested in participating in future business delegations of the NCE as well as participation in trade fairs may contact the chamber on 4344288.
