UNIDO's mission caters to present day needs

THE overall objective of the Integrated Industrial Development Support Programme is one of the main programmes of my Ministry for facilitating and assisting industrial development of this country.

We believe that Industrial Development is one of the most effective ways of bringing prosperity to our nation, said Minister Anura Bandaranaike at the inauguration of the UNIDO integrated Industrial Development Support Programme Phase II.

He said the Government Policy is to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life of our people. For this purpose, substantial employment and income opportunities need to be created within the Economy.

We were a nation with very few industries at the time Sri Lanka gained independence. Even independence, we did not have a strong industrial base, since trading was the most profitable activity during the 1950s.

In fact Sri Lanka's Industrialisation process commenced only in early 60s during my mother, Madam Sirimavo Bandaranaike's first regime. The foundation of present industrial structure in this country was laid down during the period 1960 - 1965.

As you are aware, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) was set up in 1966. At present, 171 nations are members of this organisation. Within the UN system, it is this Organisation responsible for promoting Industrialisation.

Sri Lanka's association with UNIDO became remarkably stronger in April 1999 with the establishment of UNIDO focal point within the premises of this Ministry.

The UNIDO focal point provided valuable service in coordinating the implementation of the Phase I of the UNIDO Integrated Development Programme.

It was the Late C.V. Gooneratne' the then Minister of Industries who initiated this Programme and his timely intervention has brought many benefits to this country through this very programme. We salute him for his efforts contributions.

I have been informed that this programme has made a substantial contribution to several spheres of Industrial Development particularly in the field of Investment Promotion, Technology Development, Enhancing competitiveness, introducing cleaner production and sustainable energy use. All these are essential ingredients for sustainable industrial development.

This programme, I was told has also contributed substantially towards strengthening Institutions. They include not only this Ministry, but also many other institutions, such as the Ministry of Science and Technology Industry Technology Institute, Dept. of Census and Statistics, Textile Training and Service Centre, Board of Investment, Sri Lanka Standards Institution, and several Chambers of Commence and Industry.

The Sri Lanka Integrated Programme was one of the first programmes launched by UNIDO as a new system based on multidisciplinary approach combining relevant UNIDO expertise in support of developing country needs.

I am happy to note that under this programme, public and private sectors have worked together well reflecting the spirits of public-private partnership.

Developing countries are today faced with new challenges in their industrialisation effort. Therefore, it is time for the UNIDO to address these challenges in assisting developing countries in their fight against marginalisation in today's globalised world.

The UNIDO's mission caters to the present day needs of the Industry particularly, to enhance competitiveness and marketability of industrial products.

When we consider the present challenges in global environment Sri Lanka industry has to be more competitive in the international markets.

This has become more important than ever, in the context of the emerging global scenario associated with international conventions and the signals given under the WTO agreement.

The phase one programme will be concluded at the end of this year. Building upon the phase one and faced with national challenges, UNIDO and my Ministry have formulated phase II of this programme with 8 new components, they include areas such as improving agricultural productivity, rural energy, developing small and medium enterprises, trade capacity building, development of leather industry, supply chain development support to BoI and revival of industries in the North and East.

I would like to request all the stakeholders who are gathered here today to work closely to see that more meaningful and productive projects are implemented.

I thank the officials of UNIDO, the officials of my Ministry and all stakeholders for completing the phase one programme successfully and hope that they will take similar interest in completing phase II in the same manner.

I wish the 2nd phase of the UNIDO integrated industrial development programme all success and hope that the steering committee could guide it in a meaningful manner to achieve the objectives of the programme.