Jaffna Intl. Trade Fair to return bigger and better in 2024

By Divya Thotawatte 

The Jaffna International Trade Fair (JITF) is set to return next year with its 14th edition in a much grander scale than before with a larger number of anticipated partnerships, participants and visitors than previous years. 

The trade fair is organised by Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services (LECS) together with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Yalpanam (CCIY) and will take place from 19 to 21 January under the theme ‘Your Gateway to North’. While JITF has attracted a lot of success over the years, this year, the fair will be held on a bigger scale with 17 sponsors, 350+ exhibitors and stall owners, and with the expectation of a much larger number of visitors than ever before. 

The organisers of the event stated that international delegations are also anticipated, resulting in a dynamic commercial environment that would contribute much to the economic growth in the Northern parts of Sri Lanka. It would also uplift communities and provide support to SMEs participating in the fair. Even non-participant businesses could benefit as the visitors would also engage with other businesses in the area during their visit. 

LECS CEO Aasim Mukthar said, “JITF 2024 is expected to attract over 50,000 visitors and they don’t visit for just one day. They usually arrive in Jaffna to explore the area for a few days too. Therefore, it would not only be the expo that would benefit during the week of the fair, but hotels, food outlets, bars, transport providers and taxi drivers in Jaffna will all attract more business engagements during this week.”

JITF 2024 is to be a flagship event for Jaffna where potential local and international investors, partners and collaborators, consumers, etc. could explore the many products and opportunities that Jaffna offers. Moreover, the event has not only stimulated economic growth but has also facilitated international connections, attracting delegations, and investment forums from various regions. 

CCIY Executive Director V.K. Vignesh also said, “This is an event of immense potential which has grown year by year. We welcome joint ventures and large orders which are the highlights of the business matchmaking between the people of the South and the North.”

Vignesh highlighted that SMEs contributed to most of the economic environment of the region. JITF would be an opportunity and action-packed event that would empower and expose the SMEs to potential buyers, collaborators, knowledge etc., thereby also empowering Jaffna as a community. The event would contribute to the gradual revival of the region which will thereby also benefit the entirety of the country, he said. 

The Platinum Sponsor for JITF is Fiesel and Motor Engineering, and Gold Sponsors are Adrian Solar Green and Tokyo Cement Company. Silver Sponsors are Sunmatch Company, Fentons Ltd., Ruhunu Foods, 4Ever Skin Naturals, Ellawala Horticulture, Darley Butler and Company, Keells Food Products, Ceylon Cold Stores, Phoenix Industries and CBL Convenience Foods. 

Since its inception in 2002, JITF has evolved into a global platform that not only connects businesses but also brings about positive change in the lives of the people of Northern Sri Lanka. This transformation has been brought about through the tireless efforts of LECS and the CCIY, supported by international partners including investors from India, Canada and Indonesia. 

Pic by Sameera Wijesinghe