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Tuesday, 13 August 2013 01:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Emphasising that the role of the consuls have broadened over time and can no longer be confined to the issuance of travel documents and attention to the welfare of nationals, World Federation of Consuls (Federation Des Crops Et Association Consulaites or FICAC) President Arnold Foote yesterday stated that globalisation has altered the framework of bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the global arena.
Changing times
Speaking at the inauguration of the 2nd South Asia Regional Conference in Colombo also known as FICAC 2013 organised by the Association of Consuls in Sri Lanka, Foote noted that the role of the state is vastly different from that which it played for most of the 20th century. New powerful actors have swept up to the international stage and transnational corporations aided by the forces of globalisation have developed advanced interest in international decision making.
“Nongovernmental organisations and civil society rightly demand their space on the global stage. The original concept of sovereignty gradually loses relevance in a world where states have declared a commitment to the charters of international organisations, to bilateral and multilateral treaties and conventions and to the growing body of international law and jurisdiction affecting every sphere of life,” he expressed.
It is in this context that diplomatic consul representatives must constantly update their theories and practices of their craft if they are to remain relevant to the global struggle of peace, security and sustainable development.
Foote reflected that several countries are closing their embassies worldwide for budgetary reasons and are appointing more honorary consuls to serve in countries where they have business interests. “The role of the honorary consul must be expanded to encompass full range of economic, political and diplomatic relations. This expanded role is particularly important for developing countries and small states which cannot afford global deployment of their foreign service.”
An essentially significant element of the foundation of peace, democracy and development is economic growth. In today’s world, the economy is being transformed by a comprehensive process of advance globalisation and international trade which has become the engine of economic growth and has assumed an increasingly prominent role in state relation.
“The development of trade is one of the main functions of the consul and its promotion is integral to the administration. The purpose of the FICAC trade development committee is to promote trans-border business, trade development and network among members. Its operations are to organise and host trade expos and trade missions.”
Trade promotion
He noted that members of the federation are ideally suited to participate positively in trade promotion activities. While there are separate diplomatic corps assigned to handle such tasks, consular corps has a greater comparative advantage in undertaking trade promotion as they have a much broader geographic deployment and can therefore provide more extensive coverage than diplomatic corps.
“This is particularly so for developing countries who are unable to afford diplomatic representation in locations where they have economic interest,” he said.
“Consular corps has presence in all major cities and centres of commerce and industry whereas the diplomatic corps are concentrated in capital cities which, in several cases is more political rather than economic centres.” Consular corps is also equipped with very high proportion of considerable business expertise and is ideally suited for developing trade.
“Members of our federation are immersed in communities in ways in which diplomats cannot be. Their knowledge in local conditions and local products can be used in identifying niche markets, distribution networks, new tradable goods and services. Consuls are important for information which can inform international trade negotiations, enhance their awareness and environment of the public,” he further expressed.
Foote pointed out that international trade fairs and trade expos have been successfully organised by consul members which has garnered respect by the government of the country and in particular the ministries of foreign affairs and foreign trade, private sector and public. The continuation of the program will help develop better relation between the diplomatic corps and the consul corps, he said. “This program is unique and is the only trade promotion program worldwide that promotes trade directly between the sending and receiving sets.”
He also acknowledged that this is a business model that would do well if tried in Sri Lanka. “I think you should try it here. It will be worth your while.”
He noted that FICAC international trade expo offers countries an opportunity to do business without having to deal with large budgets and large participation costs, adding that it is an event that provides the right environment for bilateral and multilateral trade and information. Sponsorship from the private sector is also easily available due to the importance of the program at a national and an international level.
Foote commented: “The future lies in the development of fair trade in this region and the rest of the world. Our work in this modern world has taken on new and significant dimensions. Building on the networks and friendships that we have already made and making new friends and contacts is important. That process can only increase our effectiveness in the roles that we are called upon to play.”
Shaping economies
Delivering the speech of Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne who could not make it to the event due to bad health, his Secretary Sirisena Amarasekara noted that consul officers have played an important role in shaping the economy of the country. “As citizens of Sri Lanka, your contribution to the economy of the country is invaluable. Your advice, work and action are of utmost importance for us to take necessary policy decisions that will meet the needs and expectations demanded by interdependent countries.”
He also acknowledged that it is now time for governments to evaluate the hard work done by consuls to the improvement of the economic and social condition of the world.
Come invest! Government officials tell consul officials
The conference is also a chance to promote Sri Lanka on trade, investment and tourism fronts, he said. “This conference is an opportunity for us to get informed by listening to different opinions and understandings. I am hopeful that you could inform your respective countries about the significant changes that have taken place in Sri Lanka, such as the investment friendly environment after peace.”
He also advised the consular officials to recommend their foreign guests to travel out of Colombo where they will see the natural beauty and recent development of the country. “I am hopeful it will help boost tourism in our country and would help abolish the misleading publicity around the world against Sri Lanka.”
Investment Promotion Deputy Minister Faiszer Mustapha shared similar sentiments, requesting the consular officials to look into the various opportunities the country now offers as an island with fast-tracked development to catch up with the others in the region.
“You are decision makers and have been given the trust of representing your country. I thank you’ll for deciding to host in Sri Lanka. As a country coming out of the war there are lot of opportunities in Sri Lanka. We are a great country and the resilience of our people is our greatest asset. Over 10% of our Sri Lankans are working overseas, about two million. Even though we are a small population, we have global representation. There is great opportunity in Sri Lanka, please make use of it,” Mustapha said.
He also invited the members to visit the Board of Investment with the hope of enticing them to be part of the mammoth development taking place. “We are having rapid economic growth. For 30 years we were left behind but now all eyes are on Sri Lanka. Please look at us and invest in us,” he requested.
More on the conference
The conference, which will continue today, followed by a sightseeing tour for consul officials tomorrow, is sure to gather insightful ideas and be a productive exchange of views to the end.
Association of Consuls in Sri Lanka President Daya Weththasinghe noted that during the course of the program they will have a mutual exchange of ideas and thoughts which will help the progress and development of consular activities.
“We are ambassadors of goodwill who represent many nations and are quite often placed in situations where we have to carry out duties under difficult conditions; we have done this mainly due to the cooperation and support extended to us by the officials of the country we represent,” Wettasinghe said.
The program line up for today includes a FICAC Board of Directors meeting in the morning at the Cinnamon Grand while a special program for spouses with a cookery demonstration and fashion show will be held under the patronage of First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa. A meeting with the Chairmen of Central Committees will also be held during the day.
The day will end with a 30th anniversary award banquet at the Oak Room.
Pix by Lasantha Kumara
