Lankan entrepreneurs for UK trade fair

Anjana SAMARASINGHE

TRADE FAIR: The Export Development Board (EDB) has initiated ten small scale entrepreneurs to participate at the Serendib Trade Fair which will be held in UK this month.

Director (Product Management Division) of EDB, Indira Malwatte said that they have selected these participants through the first "Serendib" show which was held in Sri Lanka last year.

"We have specially focus their product improvement and investments on designs, she said.

Though most of them were not in the export market we were trying to select the most potential entrepreneurs. The ten small scale entrepreneurs are representing giftware items, gem and jewellery sector, Malwatte said.

EDB will sponsor their participation at the fair and had made arrangements to meet the most potential buyers at the event.

She said that EDB has conducted training programs for these participants on UK market requirements and the latest trends. "They also provided a special training on participating in such a trade fair and how to speak to a buyer at the trade fair."

Language is not a barrier for them, EDB officials will assist them when speaking to the buyers she said.

'Daily News' also spoke to some of these entrepreneurs who will participate for the event.

Erick Fernando, a manufacturer of wooden toys said that this is the first time that he is taking part in such an event. There is a high demand for old fashion wooden toys among tourists. He has upgraded his products to the international quality to attract more buyers.

M. Jayasiri from Passan Jewellers said that they are on a process of designing jewellery for the fair.

"When it comes to the export market consumers who are above 40 years prefer jewellery with traditional designs and younger generation with silver accessories, he said.

Gamini Senarathna of Start Light Candles said", I have learnt that demand in the giftware market is for utility products. UK market value new innovative products such as cinnamon fragrant candles and floating candles, he said.

Ira Basnayake who manufactures hand made paper products said Europeans highly appreciate eco-friendly products. "There is high potential for handmade paper products in UK packaging market, she added.