Friday Nov 15, 2024
Friday Nov 15, 2024
Thursday, 12 April 2012 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The EXPO 2012, a timely and important mega event organised by the Export development board especially at the point of time when the economy is beginning to develop as a result of a few years of peace, was no doubt an absolute need of the hour.
It was pleasing to note that more than 1300 foreign investors and buyers from across the globe patronised this exhibition, where more than 360 Sri Lankan exhibitors from over 20 different product sectors took part.
SME participants, the back-bone of our national economy, took part in this show for the first time.
Their products were exhibited through about 60 SME display stalls, especially setup for them. In this way Sri Lanka’s SME sector is being assimilated, to the global export supply chain, thereby serving a long term national objective of integrating this sector, to promising international markets.
HNB having recognised this paramount requirement, joined hands by being one of the sectoral sponsors as well as having a stall ideally positioned in the SME exhibition section.
This initiative by HNB was well received by the exporters who were from all parts of the country, as this had added value to their presence by being able to have a one to one chat with HNB with regard to their various banking needs such as financing of their exports both pre shipment and post shipment, technical advice in handling exports under Letters of Credit and not under Letters of Credit and other related matters resulting in establishing for themselves a link for assistance on banking matters on a continued and long term basis.
HNB’s presence also facilitated the large number of buyers who were present numbering over 1300 to build their confidence in the availability of professional banking services to handle their Trading operations with Sri Lanka.
The fact that HNB was one of the oldest and largest private banks in Sri Lanka, having begun operations in 1888, the Trade Service operations being ISO 9001: 2008 certified and the availability of a large network of Correspondent relationships to facilitate a trade transaction to almost any point on the globe, additionally supported by the two representatives offices in India and Pakistan were contributory factors in this regard.
Sri Lanka’s export sector has shown strong resilience, by registering a highly commendable growth rate of 22.37 per cent in comparison to 2010 despite a looming global economic downturn.
This assures that the crucial proof of international buyer confidence, on Sri Lanka continues to grow unabated, despite a climate of global economic downturn.
It is also clear testimony to the emergence of Sri Lanka branding in the global marketplace.
An ambitious target of, US $ 20 Billion export revenue by 2020 has been set.
HNB has been serving the SME segment from its early days and has a track record in Development Banking and Micro Lending spanning over 20 years. HNB will continue its support in promoting exports to achieve the set target of US$ 20Billion for 2020 by focusing mainly in assisting and promoting the SME sector to be a major partner contributing towards achieving this goal.
