New Zealand explores options for supporting Lanka’s dairy sector, visits CCC

Tuesday, 6 May 2014 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The New Zealand Government says it is exploring options for supporting the development of Sri Lanka’s dairy sector. This was revealed, when a delegation from the New Zealand government visited the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, recently.

The delegation included Tiffany Babington and Rebecca Williams from the International Development Group of New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; New Zealand’s Deputy High Commissioner for India and Sri Lanka, Michael Appleton; and Senaka Silva, Consul General for New Zealand in Sri Lanka. The delegation, who met the Secretary General of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Harin Malwatte, said the proposed support will be made under the Dairy Cooperation Arrangement signed by Sri Lankan External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris and New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully late last year. The New Zealand officials said the Dairy Cooperation Arrangement is focusing on helping Sri Lanka improve the entire supply chain of Sri Lanka’s dairy sector. Options being explored includes, training the dairy farmers and officials and helping universities build up their capacities to train and educate students on the dairy sector. Mutual exchange programs between Sri Lankan and the New Zealand dairy industry are also being explored. Several dairy sector firms operating in the country, such as Lanka Milk Foods, Lucky Lanka Group of Companies, Nestle Lanka PLC, Richlife Dairies Limited, Cargills (Ceylon) PLC, met with the New Zealand officials at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce last week.