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| Friday, 3 December 2004 |
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Bogollagama sets ambitious goals for EDB Minister of Advanced Technology and National Enterprise Development Rohitha Bogollagama met senior officials of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board last week to brief them on the strategic approach in developing national enterprises and making use of advanced technology in achieving the countrys'socio economic goals. The minister emphasized the importance of a long-term National Export Strategy and the effective implementation of such a strategy with proper checks and balances in monitoring the progress. He also stressed the need to develop the entire country through these strategies rather than focusing on certain provinces, adding that the country remains poor as a result of vast differences of the stage of economic development of these regions. He also stressed the need to implement developmental programs in the North and East and directed EDB officials to strengthen its regional network on a country-wide basis. The Minister recognised the National Export Strategy: 2004-2008 prepared by the EDB in collaboration with the private sector. He also directed the Chairman, EDB to make arrangements to formalise the strategy document and to appoint a "Three-Member Steering Committee" to co-ordinate affairs relating to the implementation of the National Export Strategy. The Minister said that the Cess imposed by the Government will generate more funds to the tune of Rs 2 Billion to development exports and stressed the need for identification and implementation of new development projects in the light of the Budget Proposals. Commenting on remittances of export earnings, the Minister said that approximately 15% of the total earnings do not come into the country. Since the Government provides the assistance and incentives, exporters should realise their responsibility of bringing more foreign exchange into the country. Discussing the setting up of Sri Lanka Trade Centres abroad during 2005, the Minister instructed officials to provide relevant statistical data in order to carry out a proper value-based evaluation in selecting suitable locations. In order to solve problems faced by the exporters the "one stop shop" concept which will provide speedy solutions to issues of exporters, should be fully adopted. The Minister instructed officials to set up e-commerce centres connected to the 'Tradenetsl" website of the EDB, through out the island with the support of the Provincial Trade Chambers. He also stressed the importance of updating information and making such information available to the public round the clock. All documents meant for the public should made available in all three languages. The Minister agreed to provide all policy and logistical support required to implement the proposed plans and called upon EDB officials to submit a report on their requirements. It was decided to hold regular meetings with the senior staff of the EDB on a quarterly basis while the Steering Committee appointed to implement the proposals is required to meet once a month. Deputy Minister Hussain A. Bhaila, Secretary to the Ministry, P.M. Leelaratne and Chairman-EDB Ratna Sivaratnam were also present at the meeting. |
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