EDB aims high

• Targets US$ 10 b exports by end 2011

The Export Development Board (EDB) yesterday expressed confidence of achieving exports worth US$ 10 billion by the end of the year.

With high growth noted in the first two months of the year, hopes are riding high and Chairman of EDB Janaka Rathnayake is confident that the country would be able to reel in the targeted US$ 10 billion by 2011 and US$ 15 billion by 2015.

“Export performance of the country reached a 17% growth rate in export revenue in 2010. Confirmed figures show a growth of 72% within January when compared to the same period last year and 52% in February. If the present trend continues, by end 2011 achieving revenue of 10 billion is a possibility.”

As such, the EDB has planned to partake in some 40 international trade fairs along with key exporters from the country within the year. The plan is to attend the major trade fairs in Europe, America, India, Pakistan and China.

The Expo Bazaar, which will kick-off down Green Path today, is also part of the EDB’s export encouragement plan, he said. Some 130 exporters will showcase their products at the bazaar, which includes key exporters of the country in seven industries. Top class exports will be showcased at the event, Rathnayake said.

“There will be a display of the state-of-the-art boat building activity within the country,” he announced.

Among other interesting picks are companies that contribute to providing 30% of the world’s solid tyre market and providers for Boeing aircraft tyres, which will display their products alongside seahorse breeders, cut flower and foliage growers and never before publicised ornamental fish.

EDB is also looking at launching an e-directory with details of every exporter of the country with personal, business and product profiles. It will be circulated among exporters free of charge.

A website dedicated to the gem and jewellery industry will also be launched soon and is expected to grab attention from the global community by talking of the local sapphire that will decorate the much-publicised wedding of Prince William and his fiancée Kate in the UK. He stated that there had been claims that her wedding ring would be adorned with a blue sapphire from Sri Lanka.