Exporters hail new Govt., want support

Tuesday, 20 January 2015 01:14 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The ExportersAssociation of Sri Lanka (EASL) in a statement yesterday extended its wishes to President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, the new Cabinet of Ministers, State Ministers and Deputy Ministers. The Exporters Association of Sri Lanka, which is the apex body for exporters in Sri Lanka, commends the Government’s impressive plan to restore good governance in the country whilst taking steps to create economic growth and prosperity in the nation.

The EASL and its membership commits to extend its utmost support to the new Government towards elevating the local economy by trying to lift the country’s export income by providing goods and services to the global market.The EASL does however expect that the Government will take steps to eliminate some of the barriers and deficiencies the sector faces towards boosting exports. The EASLhas continuously lobbied on several platforms and to relevant agencies with regard to matters of importance, which should keep the wheels of industry relentlessly driving exports. A matter of particular concern at this point in time is the frustration of domestic companies engaged in exports, which appears to be compelling them to either relocate their businesses abroad, or consider the expansion of their current operations overseas. There is an urgency to implement rapid policy framework to sustain investment already made in order to expand on its valued foundation. The Exporters Association of Sri Lanka looks forward to entering into a close dialogue with the Government with a view to presenting its concerns vis-à-vis building capacity within institutions responsible for steering the industry, which will as a consequence ensurethe ability to reach international markets in a cost effective and productive manner. The long-awaited setting up of an EXIM bank which will support exporters looking at new markets with the need to expand the scope of SLECIC will encourage diversifying of markets and exports by the important SME sector.Another area which needs to be addressed will be the request of the exporter community to be engaged in decisions regarding review of the current FTA with India and thesetting up and implementation of the FTA with China. The EASL is confident that the new administration will be willing to enter into a dialogue with its membership at an early date and extends its fullest cooperation in future developmental activities.