NCE launches National Institute of Exports

Thursday, 29 January 2015 00:25 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The NCE, which is the only Chamber exclusively serving Sri Lankan exporters, has over 450 member companies. The chamber has assisted many Small and Medium Enterprises to expand their export businesses. The National Institute of Exports (NIOE) which is subsidiary of the NCE is a service oriented non-profit professional institute set up to develop professional skills through training, and professional qualifications in the field of exports. For this purpose the NCE is affiliated to the Sri Lanka Foundation (SLF), which provides infrastructure facilities and professional inputs to develop the study programs. The SLF is a leadership, education, and training institute under the purview of the Government of Sri Lanka, recognised by the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission of Sri Lanka as a Certificate Awarding Institute. The current annual exports from Sri Lanka are around $ 11 billion. The Government has set an ambitious target of $ 20 billion for achievement by 2020. In this background several incentives have been already provided to exporters to facilitate achievement of the target. With the liberalisation of the economy, and through Free Trade Agreements as well as Preferential Trade Agreements opportunities for international trade between Sri Lanka and the rest of the world has increased significantly, and will continue to increase, due to rapid globalisation of the world economy. In order to achieve the above objectives and sustain exports, the NCE has determined that the export sector of the country will need the services of professionally qualified personnel who are trained to face global challenges, and ensure competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s exports in the global markets. These skills are in short supply at present. Market feasibility A market feasibility study for the setting up of the NIOE was carried out by the NCE with the assistance of a consultant under the guidance of the past President Dr. Jagath Peiris. The study revealed that there is a substantial demand for programmes which provide professional qualifications in the field of exports. The target market is high school leavers, and employees in export oriented companies. Many senior managers of such companies have also welcomed the idea of the proposed institute, and are keen to send their employees to follow study and training programs to develop their skills. The study also revealed that currently there are no professional programs in the field of exports including export marketing. As such, many students who would like to join the exports sector join other available professional programs in the fields of accountancy, general marketing and information technology, etc. in search of employment. National Institute of Exports President Dr. Jagath Pieris stated: “This is not just a functional education program but skill driven, given that unemployment levels are at low at low four percent. Therefor we must make sure, all who are working can demand a top dollar salary with a string set of skills. This in turn will provide the organisation achieve a cutting edge competitive advantage.” Professional courses in international trade management The following professional courses in international trade management will be offered by the NIOE: Certificate Level (Certificate in International Trade Management – CITM); Advanced Certificate Level (Advanced Certificate in International Trade Management – ACITM); Diploma Level (Diploma in International Trade Management – DITM). The above prestigious qualifications will provide students recognition in the field of international trade, and enable them to secure employment in export oriented enterprises, both locally and overseas. Exemptions may be granted from the Certificate level qualification by the Board of Studies of the NIOE for applicants with recognised qualifications in accounting, commerce, or business administration. The Certificate, Advanced Certificate, and Diploma level qualifications of the NIOE will provide adequate training to develop the required skills to enable those who complete the programs to handle wider aspects of international trade. The NIOE will be officially launched on 29 January during the Annual General Meeting of the NCE held at the Grand Ballroom of hotel Galadari. The NIOE will commence courses from April 2015. The National Institute of Exports (NIOE) is affiliated to the Sri Lanka Foundation (SLF) which provides infrastructure facilities and professional inputs to develop the study programs. Sri Lanka Foundation is a leadership, education, and training institute under the purview of the Government of Sri Lanka and, is recognised by the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission of Sri Lanka as a Certificate Awarding Institute. As such, the certificates awarded by the NIOE will have the required recognition. After commencement of operations the NIOE proposes to be affiliated to an international organisation in the same field for accreditation. National Institute of Exports CEO P.D. Fernando – the former DG of the Department of Commerce – stated: “Whilst Sri Lanka is fast becoming a knowledge hub, there are no qualifications targeting the fine lines of international trade and compliance. I am proud to mention that with this institute this void will be filled in Sri Lanka – in fact it was a long felt need that had to be met.” Those who successfully complete the courses will also be able to confidently handle day-to-day operations connected with export/ import procedures, export/import documentation, export/import financing, entering new global markets, building customer relationships, branding, pricing, participation at international trade fairs, and market promotional activities. Irrespective of whether the above functions are carried out in-house, or whether some of the functions are outsourced to freight forwarders and other agencies, it is vital that internal staff have the knowledge to properly manage these important elements of international business, as it is the resources of the enterprise that are at risk. Proper understanding and training in these aspects are essential prerequisites before one goes global. Whether one is new to international trade, looking for a refresher course, proposing to enter new markets or need to build skills and knowledge, the NIOE has the relevant study and training courses to help achieve individual goals. Professional qualifications in the field of international trade are beneficial to employees of export/import companies, graduates, undergraduates, as well as school leavers who wish to pursue a career in global trade. The training and qualifications provided by the NIOE, through its well-structured learning techniques will enable enrolled students to become highly recognised export/ import managers, and reach the pinnacle as a professional in the field of international trade within a short period of time. The acquired qualifications will also enable them to obtain ready employment in export/import oriented enterprises both locally and overseas. At present export/import managers are mostly self-made, and have limited recognition as professionals in international trade. The NIOE courses will also fulfil the shortage of the much needed skills in the vital field of exports to facilitate accelerated economic growth through exports to enable Sri Lanka reach her desired goal of a higher middle income country. The NIOE will also act as a centre for excellence in research on wider aspects of international trade. The NIOE will also provide suggestions and inputs for policy formulation in international trade to the relevant State authorities. All lectures will be conducted only on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sri Lanka Foundation located at the Independence Square.

Course contents The course contents will include the following among others: Marketing Techniques, Customs Procedures, Negotiation Skills, Impact of Changing WTO Rules, Non-Tariff Barriers and their implications, Technical Barriers to Trade, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, Issues related to Free Trade Agreements and Preferential Trade Agreements and their Implications, Importance of Regionalisation, Modern payment terms and INCO terms, Dispute Settlement and Arbitration, Food Safety and Traceability, Fraudulent Practices, Environmental Issues, Interpretation of Laws and Regulations related to International Trade, Role of Information Technology in Exports and Imports, Export Documentation, Entry strategies to new global markets, Pricing strategies, Branding strategies, Customer relationship development, E-commerce, Knowledge of Special Export Certifications, etc. What is unique about the courses: Cover wider aspects of export/import procedures, Sri Lanka-based case studies, course contents developed by industry professionals with decades of experience, the only recognised professional qualification offered in Sri Lanka related to international trade, powered by the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka, which is the chamber exclusively serving exporters in Sri Lanka. Registration is now open to interested students who are requested to send an email to [email protected] by giving their name and contact numbers. Upon receiving the email a representative of the institute will set up an appointment for a meeting. Visit www.nioe.lk for further details.