NCCSL seminar on processed food sector

SEMINAR: The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka in line with its focus on developing the agricultural sector and agricultural exports will hold a seminar on "Investment Opportunities in Agricultural and Processed Food Sector".

The seminar will be held on Thursday, October 26, 2006 from 9.00 am to 1.00 p.m. at the Galle Face Hotel Colombo. There are many producers and processors of agricultural based products and processed food in the country and many of them are Small and Medium Entrepreneurs.

The demand for Sri Lankan agro-based products and processed food is increasing in the Western markets due to the reasons such as increased Sri Lankan expatriate population, and growing tourist markets.

Sri Lanka's participation at international trade fairs and exhibitions has also helped increase the demand for agricultural and processed food from Sri Lanka.

However many of the producers and potential investors are not aware of the market opportunities and the State assistance and incentives available for investment and the development of the sector.

To meet this demand, the Chamber has arranged the seminar which will be addressed by the expert speakers in the sector, such as Mario de Alwis, Chairman of the National Agri-business Council who will discuss the Sri Lanka's Competitiveness for Processed Food whilst Director General of Sri Lanka Export Development Board Sujatha Weerakoon will explain as to what steps the EDB is taking to promote exports of non-traditional agricultural products and processed food.

Director R and D Ministry of Agricultural Development Dr. D.B.T. Wijeratne will speak on opportunities available for investment in Agriculture and the potential for value addition. Chairman, Sri Lanka Floriculture Exporters' Association Dilip de Silva will discuss on Export opportunities for Floriculture and present status of the market.

The seminar will provide an opportunity for existing agriculture and processed food companies as well as for those who envisage in entering this sector, to learn more of the potential in this sector and the facilities offered by the State.