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Friday, 2 March 2012 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
In a new thrust for Sri Lanka exporters and industries to gain further access to Asian markets, the Ceylon National Chamber of Industries (CNCI) has held a seminar and a presentation focused on Asian market opportunities. The pioneering event, held by CNCI with the assistance of Ministry of Industry and Commerce on 29 February, focused on free trade agreements with India, Pakistan and SAARC countries, SAFTA and APTA agreements, market access to the Asian region and also highlighted the facilities to Sri Lankan industry sector enterprises.
“Concerns of our exporters and industrialists with regard to the use of Trade agreements were discussed during the seminar,” said Additional Secretary, Industry and Commerce Ministry Asitha Seneviratne who led the Ministry of Industry and Commerce at the event attended by 65 private sector firms.
Among the top firms participating were Unilever, AMW, Dipped Products, DSI, Glaxo Welcome Ceylon, Edna Group, Mascons, Multichemi, Prima Ceylon, Rhino Roofing, TNG GLobals, Conventient Food Lanka, Pubudu Engineering, Polycom Electrical Industries, Sakura Agencies, Central Industries Plc, Kelsey Developments, Hero Zippers, TNG Global, Ceylon Biscuits and also reps from the Tea Board, and the Central Bank were taking part in the special event.
Among the areas focused were Indian and Pakistani trade and market opportunities to Sri Lankan industries, role of Sri Lankan missions in trade promotions, SAARC trade, and a question and answer session with the participants. Among the departments under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce that made presentation during the 29 February session were the Department of Commerce and Export Development Board.
“In our presentation, we have given new insights to our exporters on various existing FTA’s between Sri Lanka and the other countries and regions,” said Department of Commerce of Sri Lanka Director General P.D Fernando. “Our message is that there is a vast untapped potential in the Asian region particularly China, and Korea,” Fernando added.
CNCI Secretary General/CEO Kumara Kandalama said that the CNCI organised the event, in view of the growing importance of Asia. “The specific facilities, marketing information, promotions granted by the Department of Commerce and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board and also the services available through the Trade Commissioners overseas have been highlighted,” he added.
