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| Monday, 13 September 2004 |
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Lankan products show on October 30: Japan demands more organic foods From Shirajiv Sirimane in Japan An exhibition showcasing Sri Lankan products and services will be held at Yoyogi Park, Tokyo on October 30. Sri Lankan Ambassador in Japan Karunatillike Amunugama told to the Daily News that the main products on display would include organic foods, fisheries, beverages, tea, gem and jewellery products. "We are also inviting Sri Lankan hoteliers to display their packages at this exhibition in a bid to develop tourism," he said. Over 75 companies including several non-governmental organisations have reserved space for this event. "We are hoping to have 100 stalls," he said. Sri Lankan dance troupes and fashion shows will also be held to attract more attention. "The Sri Lankan community based in Japan has already commenced programs and the response from Japanese entrepreneurs are very encouraging," he said. The Embassy will extend a helping hand to small and medium Sri Lankan producers finding it difficult to visit Japan due to financial constrains. "If they contact us we will showcase their products on behalf of them," he said. The exhibition's main aim is to showcase Sri Lankan products and find a market for them. "As far as tourism is concerned, our aim is to increase the number of arrivals 17,000 per year now by around 20 per cent," he said. The cost to host the exhibition will be met from stall fees and assistance from the Sri Lanka business community based in Japan. "The Embassy will not have to spend for it," he said. He said the demand for organic and Ayurvedic products are increasing in Japan and Sri Lanka should enter this market more aggressively. He said that the demand is so high that these products are fetching twice the value. Unlike industrial products, the production cost for organic foods is very low. However, the Japanese government insists that products imported to the country should have a specific certificate. "This is the gray area for Lankan exporters who do not know about this," he said. Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar on a six-day official visit, identified this point and co-ordinated with the Japan International Co-operate Agency (JAICA) to obtain assistance. "I have requested JAICA to send a team to Sri Lanka to provide information on this area. In addition Japanese business institutions in Sri Lanka too will assist in this regard," the Minister said. |
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