Government to ink protocol with Chinese Customs Authority to boost marine exports

• Chinese Customs Authority approves export of 33 Sri Lankan food products
• 38 Sri Lankan registered firms export 29 aquatic products at present
• Cabinet Co-Spokesman Bandula Gunawardane says move will support aquatic exporters

In a bid to boost marine exports to China, the Government has decided to ink a protocol between Fisheries Ministry and the Chinese Customs Authority.

“The General Administration of Customs of the Republic of China has approved the export of 33 Sri Lankan food products to China. Among them 29 are aquatic products and 38 Sri Lankan companies registered in the Republic of China are working as exporters of these products,” a statement comprising weekly Cabinet decisions issued by the Government Information Department noted.

The Cabinet of Ministers at its meeting on Monday approved to sign of the protocol on inspection, quarantine and veterinary hygiene requirements of marine fisheries aquatic products to be exported from Sri Lanka to China.

“There is a good demand for marine exports particularly for sea cucumbers to China. This move will provide the necessary encouragement for aquatic product exporters and will also help the economy to earn much-needed foreign exchange,” Cabinet Co-Spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardane said at the post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday.

The proposal to this effect submitted by the Fisheries Minister Douglas Dewananda was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.